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Los Angeles Dodgers vs Toronto Blue Jays – 2025 World Series Game 1 Preview
The 2025 World Series kicks off Friday night at Rogers Centre, where the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the upstart Toronto Blue Jays in a best-of-seven clash that pits postseason experience against youthful energy.
First pitch is set for 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
The Dodgers return to the Fall Classic looking to become the first back-to-back World Series champions since the 1998–2000 New York Yankees, while Toronto aims to stay undefeated in franchise World Series appearances — having gone 2-for-2 in 1992 and 1993.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened the Dodgers as road favorites behind two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who has been dominant this postseason. The public money has mostly stayed with Los Angeles, but Toronto’s potent lineup and home-field energy keep this line tight.
Current Odds:
- Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline: -154
- Toronto Blue Jays Moneyline: +131
- Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 (+110) / Blue Jays +1.5 (-135)
- Total: Over/Under 7.5
For updated live odds and line movement tracking, visit the MLB scores and odds page.
The Dodgers Can Win If…
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Game 1 riding a wave of experience and confidence. After a 5-1 win over Milwaukee to close out the NLCS, the defending champs have looked every bit as complete as their 2024 title squad.
Shohei Ohtani remains the driving force, coming off a three-homer performance that reminded everyone why he’s the game’s most dangerous dual threat. Add Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, and you get a lineup that ranks 2nd in MLB in slugging percentage (.441) and 2nd in home runs (244).
On the mound, Blake Snell gets the Game 1 nod, and he’s been lights-out in October — 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA this postseason. Against Toronto, Snell owns a career 2.39 ERA in 16 starts, including a 10-strikeout gem in August. His ability to neutralize right-handed bats will be crucial against the Jays’ power core of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Bo Bichette.
Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the edge his team’s poise gives them:
“The ability to manage moments, your heartbeat — that’s what wins seven-game series.”
If the Dodgers’ bullpen continues its strong stretch (1.89 ERA in the playoffs) and Ohtani stays hot, Los Angeles can seize control early and apply the pressure of expectation to Toronto’s younger roster.
You can dig into player prop trends and advanced matchup metrics on the MLB picks page for the latest data.
Dodgers Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Phillips (RP) | Out | Elbow |
| Brusdar Graterol (RP) | Out | Shoulder |
| Tony Gonsolin (SP) | Out | Elbow |
| Michael Grove (SP) | Out | Shoulder |
| Alex Vesia (RP) | Day-to-Day | Personal |
| Nick Frasso (RP) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Kyle Hurt (RP) | Out | Elbow |
| Gavin Stone (SP) | Out | Shoulder |
| River Ryan (SP) | Out | Elbow |
The Blue Jays Can Win If…
The Toronto Blue Jays arrive on baseball’s biggest stage as underdogs but with plenty of belief — and momentum. Rookie sensation Trey Yesavage (2-1, 4.20 ERA) gets the Game 1 start just five weeks after his MLB debut, a remarkable rise for the 22-year-old righty.
Facing Shohei Ohtani as his first batter in the World Series?
“He’s a special player,” Yesavage said Thursday. “But we’re here for a reason. We’ll adjust and compete.”
Toronto’s lineup is built around power and balance. The Jays lead the league in batting average (.265) and rank 3rd in doubles, driven by Guerrero Jr., Springer, and Bichette. The trio combined for 16 RBIs in the ALCS, and Springer’s postseason experience from Houston’s championship run continues to anchor the clubhouse.
Manager John Schneider knows most of his roster is new to this moment but sees that as a strength:
“There’s a lot of firsts for these guys — and that’s good. Once they get past the initial shock, this team knows how to lock in.”
If Yesavage can limit hard contact through the first few innings, Toronto’s bullpen (2.74 ERA since September) can keep them in striking range. Their aggressive base running and top-five contact rate could stress L.A.’s defense, especially late in games.
To analyze team form, splits, and bullpen fatigue data heading into the Fall Classic, check the MLB teams section.
Blue Jays Injury Report
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Yimi García (RP) | Out | Elbow |
| Ryan Burr (RP) | Out | Shoulder |
| Nick Sandlin (RP) | Out | Elbow |
| Bowden Francis (SP) | Out | Shoulder |
| Robinson Piña (SP) | Out | Elbow |
| Angel Bastardo (SP) | Out | Elbow |
Betting Trends
- Dodgers are 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games.
- Los Angeles is 4-0 on the road during the postseason.
- Dodgers have covered the run line in 5 of their last 8 after a win.
- Blue Jays are 8-3 to the Over in their last 11 games.
- Toronto is 6-0 to the Over following a win.
For deeper historical playoff trends and profit-based analysis, visit the MLB expert betting guide.
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Prediction and Analysis
The Dodgers’ playoff experience and Snell’s postseason dominance make them the safer pick in Game 1, but the Blue Jays’ offense has enough punch to push this series longer than expected. Toronto’s crowd will be loud, and Yesavage’s early composure will dictate whether the Jays can steal momentum.
Projected Score: Dodgers 5, Blue Jays 3
Best Bet: Dodgers Moneyline (-154)
Total Lean: Over 7.5 (-113)
Los Angeles’ ability to manage high-pressure innings — paired with elite starting pitching depth — gives them a clear Game 1 edge. Before finalizing your World Series picks, check real-time ROI and streaks from verified MLB handicappers on the Handicapper Leaderboard, where every play and profit record is transparently tracked.
