Dodgers Face Elimination in NLCS as Glasnow Takes Ace Role Against Brewers

Key points

• Dodgers trail Brewers 3-0 in the NLCS, facing elimination in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium.
• Tyler Glasnow is expected to start as the ace for the Dodgers, a role he has not typically filled.
• The Brewers are using an opener strategy with Shane Drohan, who has not appeared in a playoff game in 2026.
• The Dodgers' offense has struggled to produce against Milwaukee's pitching, with Blake Snell allowing a leadoff home run in Game 3.
• The series is broadcast on FS1, with local radio coverage on AM 570 and KTNQ 1020 AM.

Background

The Brewers advanced to the NLCS after defeating the San Diego Padres 3-1 in the National League Division Series on October 7, 2026. The Dodgers, defending champions, have faced challenges in the series, including a 6-2 loss in Game 3 where Jake Bauers hit a two-run home run against Blake Snell. The Brewers' success has been driven by unexpected contributions from journeyman first baseman Jake Bauers and rookie pitcher Robert Gasser, who pitched five scoreless innings in his second career postseason start.

How outlets are covering it

MLB Trade Rumors focuses on the broader debate about starting pitcher workload and the decline of 200-inning seasons, using the Dodgers' reliance on multiple pitchers like Snell, Yamamoto, and Glasnow as evidence. True Blue LA emphasizes the immediate tactical challenges for the Dodgers, highlighting Glasnow's need to perform as an ace and the impact of the Brewers' opener strategy on the Dodgers' lineup, particularly the likely absence of Max Muncy. The two sources differ in focus: MLB Trade Rumors discusses long-term pitching trends, while True Blue LA addresses the immediate game plan and series dynamics.

Why it matters

The outcome of Game 4 will determine whether the Dodgers can continue their postseason run or face elimination. The performance of Tyler Glasnow and the Dodgers' offense will be critical in disrupting the Brewers' momentum. The series also highlights the evolving role of starting pitchers in MLB, with teams relying on multiple pitchers to cover innings, as discussed in MLB Trade Rumors. The Brewers' success in the series, driven by unexpected contributions, underscores the importance of depth and adaptability in postseason baseball.

What to watch

Game 4 of the NLCS is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, with a start time of 5:08 p.m. PT. The Dodgers must win to stave off elimination, while the Brewers aim to close out the series. The performance of Tyler Glasnow and the Dodgers' offense will be key in determining the outcome. The series is broadcast on FS1, with local radio coverage on AM 570 and KTNQ 1020 AM.