The Los Angeles Dodgers return home on August 25, 2025, to face the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium, continuing their push toward October with one of the league’s most complete and battle-tested rosters. At this point in the season, the Dodgers have once again asserted themselves as a dominant force in the National League, boasting one of the best home records in baseball and a pitching staff that has rounded into top form behind consistent frontline starters and a deep bullpen. Emmet Sheehan is expected to get the ball for this matchup, and the young right-hander has been quietly effective, mixing a lively fastball with a developing slider and showing a stronger feel for pitching with each outing. The Dodgers’ rotation, which has weathered injuries and adversity throughout the year, has been propped up by strong efforts from veteran arms and some key midseason acquisitions, giving manager Dave Roberts plenty of flexibility as the club eyes a deep postseason run. Offensively, the Dodgers remain one of the most potent teams in MLB, led by the usual star trio of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, all of whom are enjoying elite seasons. Betts continues to spark the lineup with his combination of power, speed, and high OBP, while Freeman’s professional approach at the plate and gap-to-gap power provide a steady presence in the middle of the order. Ohtani, meanwhile, has provided jaw-dropping moments throughout the summer and leads the team in home runs, giving opposing pitchers nightmares every time he steps into the box.

Beyond the stars, the Dodgers’ supporting cast has been highly productive as well, with players like Will Smith, Max Muncy, and James Outman providing timely hits and solidifying a lineup that grinds pitchers down. Defensively, the Dodgers are sound and disciplined, with Betts continuing to flash Gold Glove-caliber ability in right field and Freeman anchoring the infield with smooth glovework at first. The bullpen, often the unsung hero of the team’s success, has been anchored by closer Evan Phillips and a mix of power arms that excel in high-leverage situations. The Dodgers’ formula at home is straightforward but ruthless: score early, get strong innings from their starters, and shut down opponents with their depth and versatility in the late innings. Against the Reds, Los Angeles will look to exploit any defensive lapses, work deep counts to get into the bullpen early, and rely on their veterans to set the tone in what could be a playoff-type atmosphere. With postseason positioning becoming more critical each day, expect the Dodgers to come out aggressive and focused, ready to capitalize on every opportunity. If Sheehan can keep Greene and the Reds’ bats in check through the early frames, the Dodgers’ experience, lineup depth, and home-field advantage may prove to be the difference in another statement win in their late-season stretch.