Dodgers Face Blue Jays in World Series After Long Break

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series starting Friday, Oct. 24, after a significant week off. The Dodgers, having swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), are entering the series with a 9-1 postseason record, while the Blue Jays advanced in a dramatic Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

With the Dodgers enjoying a week-long break, questions arise about how this time off will affect their performance. Historically, teams that experienced long layoffs before the World Series have struggled. In four previous instances where one League Championship Series concluded in seven games and the other in four, the teams with extra rest lost all four World Series and amassed a poor record of 2-16 across 18 games.

The Dodgers are hoping to counteract the potential negative effects of their break with simulated games and extra practice sessions. Outfielder Mookie Betts believes that rest is crucial but emphasizes the importance of staying sharp. ‘It’s nice to have rest and kind of let everybody take a deep breath… Just rest up and keep sharpening your skills,’ Betts said.

Infielder Miguel Rojas echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘All we’re trying to do right here is get four more wins to win a World Series… everybody is locked in on winning the World Series.’ The Dodgers are focusing on refining their strategies to prepare for the Blue Jays, who are heavy underdogs in this matchup.

Fans across the U.S. seem to have a clear preference, with 92% supporting the Blue Jays on social media, according to a recent analysis. In a poll asking which team fans preferred to see the Dodgers face, 84.3% favored a matchup against the Seattle Mariners, while only 15.7% wanted the Blue Jays.

The stakes are high as the Dodgers aim to secure their second consecutive title, while the Blue Jays are making their first World Series appearance since 1993. Anticipation builds as baseball fans eagerly await the first pitch.