MLB Playoffs 2024 Wild Card and Round-by-Round Bracket Picks and Predictions | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Walker Buhler: Buehler, once one of the sport’s best starters, hasn’t been the same since returning from his second Tommy John surgery. He posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts this season and probably shouldn’t even be on a playoff roster, let alone start in Game 3.

Landon Knack: He posted a 3.74 ERA over 65 innings this season, and the 27-year-old rookie will immediately be pushed into a major role in the postseason.

This is not to diminish the Dodgers’ offensive power with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith. But the Padres have enough offensive power to match LA hit-for-hit and much better pitching.

Phillies over Brewers in 5 games

The Brewers had a special season and overcame everything that was thrown at them. It would hardly be a surprise if they did the same in this series, which would come with the added twist of Rhys Hoskins facing his former team in the playoffs.

But while Tobias Myers, Frankie Montas and Aaron Civale have given Milwaukee better starting pitching depth than some might realize, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Aaron Nola are probably the best pitching trio in the playoffs.

Granted, Ranger Suárez had a 5.65 ERA after the All-Star break and will likely have to pitch Game 4, which is a concern. But if Wheeler has to come back for Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park, then so be it.

Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber each enter this series tied with Jayson Werth for the most postseason home runs in Phillies history with 11. Expect these two to take turns setting new records.

Combine that with a strong starting team and a deep bullpen and the Phillies will advance to the NLCS for the third straight year.