Key Highlights
- The Blue Jays and Dodgers are tied 1-1 in the World Series.
- Max Scherzer is expected to face Tyler Glasnow for the Blue Jays and Dodgers respectively in Game 3.
- The Dodgers’ “Big Three” hitters—Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman—are underperforming in the postseason.
- The Blue Jays aim to exploit weaknesses in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Context of the Series
The 2023 World Series finds itself at a pivotal juncture after two thrilling games that saw both teams secure victories. The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers currently stand tied at 1-1, setting up an intense three-game stretch in Los Angeles. This series has been marked by outstanding performances from key players on both sides, particularly Max Scherzer for the Blue Jays and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers.
Max Scherzer: A Familiar Face with a New Role
Game 3 of the World Series will see Max Scherzer take the mound for the Blue Jays, facing Tyler Glasnow. The 41-year-old right-hander has delivered an unforgettable performance in his recent ALCS Game 4 against the Seattle Mariners, despite a less-than-stellar ERA and limited appearances in September. Scherzer’s ability to put his team on his back during critical moments has been a highlight of this postseason.
However, Scherzer’s performance as a starter has not been entirely dominant.
In Game 1, he managed only five innings, striking out five but walking four and allowing two runs. Despite this, his presence remains crucial for the Blue Jays, who have relied heavily on him in previous games.
The Dodgers’ Big Three Struggle
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ success has been largely attributed to their star-studded lineup, which includes three MVP winners: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. However, these players have not lived up to expectations in the current postseason. Ohtani, who has won three MVP awards since 2021, is just 2-for-8 so far with continued struggles against left-handed pitchers.
Betts and Freeman, the 2018 AL MVP and 2020 NL MVP respectively, have also underperformed.
They are collectively hitting .239 in the postseason, with only one home run and seven RBIs combined across 12 games. This underperformance is particularly concerning as they start every game for the Dodgers.
The Blue Jays’ Strategy Against the Dodgers’ Bullpen
To secure their lead in the series, the Blue Jays need to exploit the weaknesses in the Dodgers’ bullpen. The Dodgers have a soft middle relief with Roki Sasaki waiting in the wings, making it crucial for the Blue Jays to wear down the starting pitchers early.
Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo has expressed his team’s strategy: “Our goal is to get into their bullpen as quickly as possible. We need to force Tyler Glasnow to pitch deep counts and run up his pitch count.” This approach aims to create fatigue in the starters, setting the stage for the Blue Jays’ hitters to take advantage of a tired and potentially vulnerable bullpen.
The coming three-game series presents a significant challenge but also an opportunity for both teams. The Blue Jays will need to capitalize on their strategies while the Dodgers must find ways to reignite their star players and secure a decisive victory in Game 3.
