Dodgers overturn a late deficit at Citizens Bank Park as Teoscar Hernández delivers a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 1 of the NLDS, caping a postseason tear that already features five hits, three homers and nine RBI through three games. He’s etched a historic line—first MLB player with at least three homers and nine RBI in his team’s first three playoff games—while Los Angeles leans on its big three and a rising supporting cast.

Hernández’s power, plus continued contributions from the Dodgers’ depth, positions LA as a formidable October opponent. The early wild-card hustle also showcased his clutch hitting, reinforcing that the Dodgers can win with timely power from players beyond Betts, Ohtani and Freeman.

Shohei Ohtani delivered a postseason gem, six innings, nine strikeouts and three runs on 89 pitches in NLDS Game 1, tightening after a second‑inning jam with a sharper splitter that kept the Phillies in check. Teoscar Hernández answered a misplay with a go‑ahead three‑run homer in the seventh, and the Dodgers leaned on a deep lineup around Freddie Freeman to seize control.

The performance reinforces Ohtani’s fantasy upside—elite K-rate, solid inning count and occasional at‑bat value when he DHs—while the Dodgers’ depth and a patient, righty‑heavy Phillies staff shape the rest of the series. Ohtani’s track record and rehab arc add a compelling weekly floor for fantasy players.

Dodgers ride a big NL wild-card win into the NLDS, opening with Shohei Ohtani on the hill against Cristopher Sánchez at Citizens Bank Park. Ohtani’s two-way dominance sets the tone as Los Angeles leans on a tweaked lineup and depth to outlast Philadelphia’s ace in a pivotal road start.

Lineup shuffles put Tommy Edman at second, Kiké Hernández at third, Alex Call in left, Andy Pages in center, and Ben Rortvedt catching, with Will Smith on the roster but not yet cleared. The bench—Dalton Rushing, Hyeseong Kim, James Dean—gives Roberts options as the series unfolds.

Reds were swept in the wild-card, turning attention to a tougher test against the Phillies. The Ohtani-Sánchez duel, top-heavy Dodgers offense, and backups ready to contribute shape a high-leverage NLDS that could hinge on Game 1’s early momentum.

Brewers vs. Cubs in the NLDS centers on rest vs. grind. Matthew Boyd’s short rest start for Chicago invites risk while Milwaukee leans on a fast, defense-first lineup featuring Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras to spark early pressure. Blake Perkins adds elite defense and baserunning value; Sal Frelick provides speed up top. Freddy Peralta’s rest-accustomed ace status looms large as Chicago counters with a resourceful bullpen and a nimble infield led by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Michael Busch fuels Cubs’ power, while a leadoff homer and timely defense shape the chase for fantasy relevance in multiple lineups.

Rotation decisions drive fantasy upside: Cubs’ Javier Assad is out of NLDS contention, pushing Boyd into an iffy role on short rest, while Milwaukee’s bullpen usage could tilt leverage and save chances. Chicago’s middle infield defense (Hoerner, Swanson, Crow-Armstrong) pairs with a ground-ball Brewers lineup, making plate discipline and batting order placement hot topics for daily formats. The broader playoff movements include Mariners’ Bryan Woo and Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, framing the surrounding ALDS chatter around rest and bullpen depth.

Overall, expect a tactical game where rests, bullpen readiness, and strong defensive plays drive fantasy value more than raw power alone. The Brewers’ dynamic up-the-middle trio and Peralta’s readiness could tip timing in Milwaukee’s favor, while Chicago’s power and defense offer counter-punch threats as rotation and roster machinations unfold.

Mookie Betts navigated a challenging 2024 with a stomach virus, a hard transition to shortstop, and mounting mental strain, then rewired his approach late in the season. Over his final 47 games he batted .317 with a surge in power, helping the Dodgers finish strong and ignite in the wild-card round. A return to form at shortstop and a renewed offensive bite set the stage for a playoff push and reset fantasy expectations for 2025.

Betts’ resilience carried into the NLDS, where his multi-hit bursts and defensive versatility underscored his value. He credits a grind-before-glory mindset shift and support from teammates and coaches, which unlocked comfort at shortstop and freed his swing. The combination of strength recovery, tactical defense work, and a refined mental approach reestablished him as a core Dodgers performer and a likely top fantasy asset again next year.

With his versatility, leadership, and proven track record, Betts’ late-season renaissance serves as a blueprint for late-round upside and seasonal risk assessment. Fantasy managers should weigh his improved defense and restored bat speed, while considering durability questions and position-based volatility as core parts of 2025 projections.