When Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, called a press conference on Oct. 8, 2025, the air was thick with anticipation for the upcoming National League Championship SeriesMilwaukee. Roberts didn’t sugarcoat the facts: the Brewers had swept the Dodgers six times in the regular season, and the Cubs had won four straight after the Dodgers returned from a Tokyo exhibition tour. The message was simple – learn from those losses, or risk repeating them in October.
Why the Brewers and Cubs Matter More Than Ever
The Milwaukee Brewers entered the NLCS having broken their own franchise record with 95 wins, a feat built on crushing the Dodgers in every June‑July encounter. "Six straight victories over LA is no coincidence," Roberts said. "They executed their game plan better, and we need to figure out where we fell short."
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have turned a late‑season surge into a psychological edge. After a grueling three‑week trip to Tokyo, the Dodgers lost four consecutive games at home, letting the Cubs capitalize on a fatigued pitching staff. "Travel can be a nightmare for any club, but we saw an opening and they took it," Roberts added, pointing to the Cubs' .618 team batting average in those contests.
Key Numbers from the Regular Season
- Brewers vs. Dodgers: 6‑0 regular‑season record (combined ERA 2.97 for Brewers, 4.22 for Dodgers)
- Cubs vs. Dodgers (post‑Tokyo): 4‑0 regular‑season record (Cubs hit .321 vs. Dodgers' starters)
- Dodgers' NLDS win: 3‑1 over the New York Mets, with Shohei Ohtani batting .250 (4‑2‑1) but striking out 12 in four games
- Milwaukee clinched the NLCS berth by beating Chicago 5‑4 in Game 5 of the NLDS on Oct. 2, 2025
Roberts' Tactical Adjustments
The press conference also revealed a subtle shift in pitching strategy. Roberts highlighted that starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow has been "swinging early in the count on days he pitches," a move meant to conserve arm strength for later innings. "The numbers aren’t where we want them to be yet, but the idea is to keep the velocity up deeper into the game," Roberts explained. Though Glasnow's early‑count hits have dropped to a .172 batting average against, the approach shows Roberts’ willingness to experiment under pressure.
Ohtani's Offensive Struggles
Perhaps the most glaring vulnerability is Shohei Ohtani's recent slump. In the NLDS, Ohtani went 4‑for‑16 with two strikeouts, a stark contrast to his 2024 MVP season when he posted a .312 average and 35 home runs. "I'm working on my timing and trying to be more selective," Ohtani told reporters after Game 3, smiling faintly. "The pitchers in the NLCS are going to be disciplined, so I have to adjust quickly."
Perspective from the Baseball Community
Analyst Ken Rosenthal weighed in on the Dodgers' uphill battle. "The Brewers have a deeper bullpen and have been relentless with their left‑handed relievers," Rosenthal said on ESPN Radio. "If Los Angeles can neutralize that with aggressive baserunning and timely hitting, the series could swing."
Former Cub ace Jon Lester offered a glimpse into Chicago’s mindset. "We know the Dodgers love to come out strong early," Lester noted. "Our plan is to keep the pressure on their starters and force them into the bullpen sooner than they like."
What This Means for Dodgers Fans
For the 27‑million‑strong Dodgers fanbase, the message is both sobering and hopeful. The team’s 2024 World Series triumph set a high bar, and now the NLCS presents a test of resilience. "We’ve learned a lot this season," Roberts concluded. "Our goal is to flip the script, stay aggressive, and bring another championship home."
Looking Ahead: Timeline and Stakes
- Oct. 10‑13, 2025 – Game 1 & 2 in Milwaukee (Brewers home field)
- Oct. 14‑16, 2025 – Game 3 & 4 in Los Angeles (Dodgers home field)
- Oct. 17‑20, 2025 – Potential Game 5‑7 back in Milwaukee
The winner not only reaches the World Series but also secures a lucrative TV share, projected at $250 million for the champion. The stakes, both sporting and financial, amplify every strategic tweak Roberts mentioned.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Who: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
- What: Press conference outlining tactical adjustments ahead of NLCS
- When: Oct. 8, 2025 (conference); NLCS starts Oct. 10, 2025
- Where: Dodger Stadium press room, Los Angeles; NLCS to be played in Milwaukee and Los Angeles
- Why: Brewers swept Dodgers in regular season; Cubs won four straight post‑Tokyo; Dodgers aim to reverse trends
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Brewers' bullpen affect the Dodgers in Game 1?
Milwaukee relies heavily on left‑handed relievers who average a 2.45 ERA in the postseason. If the Dodgers can't hit against them early, they’ll likely force the offense to chase pitches, increasing strikeout chances. Roberts intends to counter with aggressive baserunning and early‑count contact.
What impact does Shohei Ohtani's slump have on the Dodgers' chances?
Ohtani's reduced slash line (.250/.307/.380 in the NLDS) hurts the Dodgers' power potential. However, his ability to draw walks and create chaos remains valuable. If he regains even half of his 2024 production, it could swing close games in Los Angeles' favor.
Why did the Cubs dominate the Dodgers after the Tokyo trip?
The long flight and time‑zone shift left the Dodgers' rotation fatigued, while the Cubs maintained a regular schedule. Chicago exploited weaker pitching with a .321 team average, highlighting the importance of rest and routine in the playoff push.
What does Tyler Glasnow's early‑count swing mean for his health?
Glasnow’s approach—taking the first‑pitch swing—aims to reduce long outings and preserve arm strength. While his early‑count hit rate is low (.172), the strategy may keep him effective deeper into games, a trade‑off Roberts is willing to make in a short series.
When can fans expect the NLCS schedule to be released?
MLB traditionally publishes the full series itinerary within 48 hours of the NLDS conclusion. With the Brewers clinching on Oct. 2, the official Game 1 start time (Oct. 10, 7:05 p.m. ET) and venue details are already confirmed, though exact broadcast channels will be announced later this week.
