MLB Playoffs 2025: Dodgers, Blue Jays & Bullpen Battles Shine

Postseason Pressure and Playoff Paydays: MLB Betting Breakdown

October baseball is a wild ride, and this year's playoff picture is already delivering late-inning drama, unexpected heroes, and bullpen heartburn. If you're trying to make some coin off the chaos, you're not alone. Let’s break down what’s happening on the diamond and how it might help you cash some tickets. From the Dodgers' gritty win to the Blue Jays’ offensive fireworks, here’s today’s rundown with plenty of betting flavor sprinkled on top.

Dodgers Dig Deep, Phillies Flounder

Blake Snell was lights-out for the Dodgers, tossing six innings of one-hit ball with nine strikeouts. He now holds the record for the most postseason starts (four) with nine-plus strikeouts and no more than two hits allowed. That’s not just dominance—it’s playoff legend stuff. LA's 4-3 win over the Phillies not only gave bettors an “under” hit for the first time this postseason in a Dodgers game but also solidified the idea that this team’s pitching could carry them deep.

The Dodgers bullpen, which has been a shaky proposition most of the year, nearly gave fans heart attacks again but managed to hold it together. The decision-making from manager Dave Roberts raised eyebrows—again. Let’s just say the bullpen management had fans yelling at their phones during car rides. But despite the chaos, the Dodgers are 2-0 and look like the team to beat in the National League. If you're looking ahead, the winner of this Dodgers-Phillies series might just be your World Series betting darling.

Blue Jays Bring the Thunder

Toronto’s bats are hotter than a July sidewalk. They’ve averaged over 5.5 runs per game between the regular season and postseason, and guys like Vlad Jr. and George Springer are feasting. Game 3 against the Yankees is particularly spicy. The Jays are underdogs at around +125, but with the way their offense is rolling and the Yankees’ bullpen looking more like a busted faucet, this could be a great value play.

Shane Bieber is on the mound for the Yankees, but he might be in for a rough night. Toronto’s lineup is stacked with right-handed power, and Bieber has struggled with the long ball. On the other side, Luke Weaver hasn’t exactly inspired confidence in his playoff outings. With both bullpens displaying “hold your breath” qualities, the over—currently around 7.7—looks like a tempting option.

And let’s not forget the mental state of the Yankees. They’ve got talent, but the vibes are weird. If Toronto jumps on them early, it could be a long night in the Bronx. Bettors looking for a solid underdog shot and a potentially high-scoring affair should circle this one in red ink.

Brewers Bullpen Brings the Heat

The Brewers’ 7-3 win over the Cubs was a clinic in balanced baseball. Jacob Mizorowski was throwing absolute gas out of the pen—think 100 mph with movement—and Christian Yelich is playing through pain but still producing. Milwaukee’s bullpen has been their secret weapon, and it’s starting to feel like this team is built for postseason baseball.

They play small ball, they steal bases, and now they’re even finding a little slug when it matters. The Cubs, meanwhile, look gassed. They’re struggling with runners in scoring position, and the loss of Kate Horton hurt more than expected. Milwaukee was favored in this matchup and covered with ease. If their bullpen keeps this up, expect the Brewers to be short favorites in upcoming games—and they might be worth riding.

Underdog Alert: Tigers Might Have Bite

Seattle is favored against Detroit with Logan Gilbert on the mound, but don’t sleep on the Tigers. Gilbert has had some road woes, and Captain Jack Flaherty is quietly doing his job. Detroit’s lineup isn’t flashy, but they’re consistent and can manufacture runs when needed. At around +110 on the moneyline, the Tigers might just be the sneaky pick of the day.

Seattle’s Game 2 win was crucial for their series hopes, but if Detroit can smack Gilbert around early, they could flip the script. This game could have some scoring, so overs bettors might want to sneak a peek at the total. If you like rolling with home dogs and contrarian picks, Detroit has some under-the-radar value.

Quick Hits and Quirky Notes

Some other betting nuggets to chew on:

• Favorites are 13-6 overall in the postseason
• Home teams are 12-7 so far, showing solid chalk support
• Kyle Schwarber is 0-for-21 going back to the regular season—maybe keep that prop bet money in your pocket
• Watch out for bullpen usage—it’s been a roller coaster, and managers are making some head-scratching moves
• Don’t underestimate defensive plays—Freddie Freeman’s scoop saved the Dodgers from disaster and preserved a win

Takeaways

• Dodgers are delivering on both sides of the ball, and Snell is a postseason monster. Don’t fade them lightly.
• The Blue Jays are undervalued with a red-hot offense. Betting the over and their moneyline might pay off big.
• Milwaukee’s bullpen is dominant, and their style of play is postseason gold. They’re a solid short favorite.
• Seattle vs Detroit could be closer than the odds suggest—Tigers offer sneaky value at home.
• Favorites and home teams are hitting, but don’t be afraid to back sharp underdogs with the right matchup.

So whether you're riding the hot hand with the Dodgers or backing the big bats of the Blue Jays, there’s plenty of action and opportunity on the board. It’s October baseball—expect the unexpected, and maybe expect a few winning tickets too.