Dodgers vs. Brewers: Previewing the Series That Defines October
Dodgers Dugout: Brewers Series Showdown, Steve Edwards Interview & Weekend Schedule
Welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout! I’m Houston Mitchell, your guide to all things Dodgers. Let’s dive into what’s happening with the team.
Why the Brewers Series Matters (Like, Really Matters)
The Dodgers start a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Dodger Stadium. This isn’t just any series—it could decide who gets a bye in the playoffs (meaning they skip the first round) and who has to play extra games.
Current Standings (as of Wednesday night)
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee Brewers | 74-47 |
| 2 | Atlanta Braves | 73-48 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 73-48 |
Important Point:
The three division winners make the playoffs automatically. But the division winner with the worst record has to play in the first round. The other two get a bye (they skip straight to the second round).
Tiebreakers Explained Simply
If teams finish with the same record, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record (who won more games against each other).
- Dodgers vs. Brewers: Dodgers lead 2-1
- Dodgers vs. Braves: Braves lead 2-1
What the Dodgers Need to Do
- At minimum: Split the 4 games (win 2, lose 2) to keep the tiebreaker edge over Milwaukee.
- Even better: Win 3 of 4 or sweep (win all 4).
- Danger zone: If Brewers win 3 of 4 or sweep, they take control for best record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Reminder: Dodgers have 3 games vs. Braves in Atlanta on Aug 25–27.
Tale of the Tape: Dodgers vs. Brewers (Through Tuesday)
Here’s how the two teams stack up this season. Green = advantage, Red = disadvantage.
Offense (Hitting)
| Stat | Dodgers | Brewers | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs per game | 5.02 (3rd) | 4.91 (5th) | Dodgers |
| Batting average | .261 (1st) | .252 (6th) | Dodgers |
| On-base % | .338 (2nd) | .336 (3rd) | Dodgers |
| Slugging % | .428 (2nd) | .396 (19th) | Dodgers |
| Doubles | 198 (9th) | 214 (3rd) | Brewers |
| Triples | 12 (18th) | 20 (7th) | Brewers |
| Home runs | 152 (7th) | 110 (30th) | Dodgers |
| Stolen bases | 46 (28th) | 118 (5th) | Brewers |
| Sacrifice bunts | 12 (22nd) | 29 (2nd) | Brewers |
Simple Translation:
Dodgers hit for more power (HRs, slugging) and get on base more.
Brewers rely on speed (steals) and small ball (bunts, doubles/triples).
Pitching
| Stat | Dodgers | Brewers | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall ERA | 3.72 (7th) | 3.54 (4th) | Brewers |
| Rotation ERA | 3.54 (4th) | 3.56 (5th) | Dodgers (barely) |
| Bullpen ERA | 4.02 (16th) | 3.51 (4th) | Brewers |
| Strikeouts | 1,073 (8th) | 1,169 (2nd) | Brewers |
| Walks allowed | 373 (10th fewest) | 376 (11th fewest) | Dodgers |
| HRs allowed | 143 (20th) | 123 (7th fewest) | Brewers |
| Saves | 32 (14th) | 38 (3rd) | Brewers |
| Blown saves | 16 (T-15th) | 15 (T-19th) | Dodgers |
| Inherited runners scored % | 35.5% (23rd) | 41.9% (28th) | Dodgers |
Key Takeaway:
Starting pitching is nearly even.
Brewers’ bullpen is much better.
Dodgers struggle with home runs allowed and bullpen depth.
The Brewers’ Playoff Ghosts
Milwaukee has made the playoffs 7 of the last 8 years but keeps falling short:
| Year | Result | Lost To |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Lost NLCS (4-3) | Dodgers |
| 2019 | Lost Wild Card | Washington |
| 2020 | Lost Wild Card Series (2-0) | Dodgers |
| 2021 | Lost NLDS (3-1) | Atlanta |
| 2022 | Missed playoffs (86-76) | — |
| 2023 | Lost Wild Card Series (2-0) | Arizona |
| 2024 | Lost Wild Card Series (2-1) | New York |
| 2025 | Lost NLCS (4-0) | Dodgers |
Fun Fact:
The Brewers didn’t trade for Tarik Skubal (a superstar pitcher), which would’ve given them a 1-2 punch with Jacob Misiorowski (NL Cy Young favorite). Instead, they got Dustin May (former Dodger).Perspective:
Finishing top 2 isn’t everything. Last year, Dodgers played in the first round and won the World Series. This year feels similar: shaky bullpen, strong starters.
L.A. Legend Steve Edwards Talks Dodgers
Steve Edwards — longtime host of Good Day L.A., KABC radio icon, and die-hard Dodgers fan — answered our questions.
How long have you been a fan? Favorite memory/player?
Edwards: "Started as a Bronx kid loving the Yankees (Mantle, Mickey, Duke). But Jackie Robinson was a hero. Pee Wee, Campy, Hodges, Oisk, Skoonj, The Duke — how could you not love them? Moved to L.A., mom was from Brooklyn… sealed the deal."
How do you assess this year’s team?
Edwards: "Really good yet disappointing. We’re spoiled — we want more. But playoffs will fix it: Kiké hits .900, Glasnow & Snell throw no-hitters, Freddie hits walk-offs. If Tucker & Díaz heat up… watch out."
Genie grants 3 wishes as owner. What do you change?
- Keep Yordan Alvarez (wait — he’s an Astro! )
- Frank McCourt never buys the Dodgers (or keeps land/parking)
- Love Joe Davis & Stephen Nelson, but I still want to hear Vin Scully’s voice — the soundtrack of our lives, the voice that defined L.A.
Shohei Ohtani not in "Top 10 Greatest Dodgers" list?
Edwards: "Shohei didn’t become the Face of Baseball until he became a Dodger. Even with Trout, he didn’t move the needle much. Here? Seismic shift. He’s already one of the most memorable Dodgers ever. He’s in the top 10 — come on."
Favorite job in your career?
Edwards: "Like picking a favorite grandkid. But Sportstalk was special."
"So Unanchored" podcast with Jillian Barberie & Dorothy Lucey?
Edwards: "We stayed friends through life’s ups/downs. Got approached, felt natural. Some loved us, some… didn’t. It’s free on YouTube: @sounanchored. Talking to Melody Rogers (Two on the Town) right after this!"
Up Next: This Weekend’s Schedule
| Day | Matchup | Pitchers (Record, ERA) | Time (PT) | TV/Radio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | Brewers @ Dodgers | Shane Drohan (6-4, 3.87) vs Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.54) | 7:10 PM | SportsNet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 |
| Fri | Brewers @ Dodgers | Robert Gasser (3-4, 4.57) vs Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-7, 2.65) | 7:10 PM | SportsNet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 |
| Sat | Brewers @ Dodgers | Jacob Misiorowski (11-5, 2.76) vs Justin Wrobleski (11-4, 3.44) | 4:15 PM | Fox, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 |
| Sun | Brewers @ Dodgers | Logan Henderson (6-2, 2.88) vs Tarik Skubal (6-2, 2.93) | 1:10 PM | SportsNet LA, AM 570, KTNQ 1020 |
Left-handed pitchers marked with \. All times Pacific.*
In Case You Missed It
- Freddie Freeman avoids serious injury in dugout fall
- Dalton Rushing gives promising elbow injury update
- The Shohei Ohtani Economy: $85 for a 2-mile ride to the stadium
And Finally…
Relive Vin Scully’s final game — the voice, the poetry, the history.
Watch & Listen Here
Until Next Time…
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Email me: houston.mitchell@latimes.com
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Summary
- Dodgers vs. Brewers = huge series for playoff seeding & tiebreakers.
- Dodgers lead season series 2-1; need at least a split to keep tiebreaker edge.
- Offense: Dodgers = power & patience. Brewers = speed & contact.
- Pitching: Starters even. Brewers’ bullpen is better.
- Brewers have heartbreaking playoff history (0-3 vs. Dodgers in NLCS/WC since 2018).
- Steve Edwards (L.A. TV/radio legend) shares fandom, Ohtani love, Vin Scully nostalgia.
- Weekend rotation: Sasaki → Yamamoto → Wrobleski → Skubal (Dodgers debut!).
- Freddie Freeman OK after scary fall; Dalton Rushing progressing.
FAQ
1. What’s a "bye" in the playoffs?
A bye means the team skips the first round (Wild Card Series) and starts in the Division Series. Only the two best division winners get this. The third-best division winner has to play in the Wild Card round.
2. Why does head-to-head record matter?
If two teams finish with the exact same record, MLB looks at who won more games against each other to decide seeding. Dodgers lead Brewers 2-1, so they currently hold the tiebreaker.
3. Who is Tarik Skubal and why is he pitching Sunday?
Tarik Skubal is a Cy Young-caliber lefty acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline. Sunday is his first start as a Dodger. He was 6-2 with a 2.93 ERA overall (0-1, 4.09 in one Dodgers start so far).
4. Why is the Brewers’ bullpen so much better?
Milwaukee’s relievers have a 3.51 ERA (4th in MLB) vs. Dodgers’ 4.02 (16th). They also have more saves (38 vs. 32) and strike out more batters. This is a major advantage in close, late-inning games.
5. Is it bad if the Dodgers don’t get a bye?
Not necessarily! Last year, the Dodgers played in the Wild Card round and went on to win the World Series. Sometimes playing extra games keeps the team sharp. The key is getting hot at the right time.