The 2025 World Series shifts to Dodger Stadium for a crucial Game 3 with the series knotted at one game apiece. After a commanding Game 1 victory by Toronto, Los Angeles responded with Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game masterpiece in Game 2. Now the spotlight turns to two veteran right-handers as 41-year-old Max Scherzer returns to face his former team against the Dodgers’ flame-throwing Tyler Glasnow. With both pitchers coming off impressive outings in their respective League Championship Series, this pivotal Game 3 matchup could swing momentum definitively toward one club in this Fall Classic.
Quick Picks:
- Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+100) ★★★★☆
- Top Prop: Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 Total Bases (-160) ★★★★☆
- Value Play: Max Scherzer Under 4.5 Strikeouts (+115) ★★★☆☆
Toronto Blue Jays vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Odds & Latest Line Movement
| Market | Toronto Blue Jays | Los Angeles Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +167 | -204 |
| Run Line | +1.5 (-120) | -1.5 (+100) |
| Total | Over 8.0 (-105) | Under 8.0 (-115) |
Opening Line: Dodgers -190, Total 8
Sharp Money Analysis: Where Pro Bettors Are Placing Their Wagers
The line movement since opening tells an interesting story about where professional money is landing. The Dodgers opened as -190 favorites and have been bet up to -204, indicating steady confidence in the home team despite the hefty price. What’s more revealing is the run line movement – opening at around -110 for the Dodgers -1.5 and now sitting at even money (+100), suggesting some sharp resistance against laying the 1.5 runs. The total has remained steady at 8 runs, with Dodger Stadium’s unique characteristics as both a run-suppressing and home run-enhancing venue creating an interesting dynamic for bettors evaluating the scoring environment.
Pitching Matchup: Max Scherzer vs Tyler Glasnow – Who Has the Edge?
Toronto Blue Jays: Max Scherzer (1-0, 3.18 ERA)
- Made first start in three weeks during ALCS Game 4, holding Seattle to 2 runs over 5.2 innings
- Labored with control issues (4 walks), but managed to limit damage when it mattered
- 41-year-old future Hall of Famer brings considerable postseason experience with 4 previous World Series starts
- Velocity has dipped this season, forcing him to rely more heavily on location and changing speeds
- Showed vintage competitive fire in ALCS, convincing manager John Schneider to leave him in during a key moment
Los Angeles Dodgers: Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.68 ERA)
- Has been absolutely dominant this postseason, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits in 13.1 innings
- Struck out 18 batters against 8 walks in his two playoff starts against Milwaukee and Philadelphia
- Thrives at Dodger Stadium with a 2.77 ERA in 11 home starts compared to 4.08 ERA on the road
- High-velocity fastball pairs with devastating breaking pitches, making him nearly unhittable when commanding all offerings
- Can struggle with efficiency due to high strikeout approach, averaging just under 6 innings per start
Advantage: Dodgers. While Scherzer brings unmatched experience and competitive fire, Glasnow has been virtually untouchable this postseason and has significant advantages in velocity, recent performance, and home/road splits.
Bullpen Breakdown
The bullpen comparison is critical in this matchup, particularly with a 41-year-old Scherzer unlikely to work deep into the game. Toronto’s relief corps has been anchored by closer Jeff Hoffman (35 saves) with solid setup work from Brendon Little (31 holds) and Louis Varland (24 holds). For the Dodgers, Tanner Scott (23 saves) leads a deep bullpen featuring Alex Vesia (30 holds, 5 saves) and multiple high-leverage arms capable of missing bats in crucial situations. The Dodgers have the deeper bullpen with more swing-and-miss stuff, though Toronto’s relievers have consistently outperformed expectations throughout the postseason. One key advantage for Los Angeles is the complete game from Yamamoto in Game 2, leaving their bullpen completely fresh for Game 3, while Toronto’s relievers worked three innings in the loss.
Key Betting Trends & Team Statistics That Matter
- The Dodgers have been dominant at home, posting a 52-29 regular season record at Dodger Stadium
- Toronto struggled in its regular season visit to Dodger Stadium, losing two of three games in August
- The Blue Jays scored just 7 runs total in their three-game series at Dodger Stadium this season
- Tyler Glasnow has allowed just 1 earned run in 13.1 postseason innings (0.68 ERA)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has strong career numbers against Glasnow, going 6-for-17 (.353)
- George Springer has been even better against Glasnow with a .462 average (6-for-13)
- Freddie Freeman has historically struggled against Scherzer, batting just .200 (11-for-55)
- Dodger Stadium was MLB’s most home run-friendly park in 2025 with the highest HR park factor
Shohei Ohtani’s World Series Impact: Can Toronto Contain the Superstar?
Shohei Ohtani has been the driving force behind the Dodgers’ offense all season, and despite being limited to just 2 hits in 9 at-bats through the first two games, his presence looms large. The matchup against Scherzer is particularly interesting – Ohtani has only faced the veteran right-hander six times in his career with 2 hits and 2 strikeouts. However, as Scherzer has lost some velocity in recent years, his approach against power hitters has become more cautious. This creates a fascinating chess match where Ohtani’s patience and pitch recognition will be tested against Scherzer’s veteran savvy and competitive fire. With Ohtani’s prop for total bases set at 1.5 with a hefty price of -160 on the over, oddsmakers clearly expect the Japanese superstar to make an impact in this pivotal Game 3.
Dodger Stadium Factor: How the Venue Influences Today’s Game
Dodger Stadium presents a unique combination of factors that could significantly impact Game 3. In 2025, it became the most home run-friendly park in Major League Baseball, leading the league with the highest HR park factor while simultaneously suppressing overall run scoring. This creates a situation where small-ball approaches often struggle, but power hitters can thrive. The Dodgers have constructed their lineup to capitalize on these dimensions, with power threats throughout their order. Toronto’s offense struggled in their regular season visit to Chavez Ravine, scoring just 7 runs in a three-game series in August. The Blue Jays’ approach, which has relied more on stringing hits together than the long ball during their playoff run, may be challenged by a venue that tends to minimize such strategies while rewarding power. With evening temperatures expected in the mid-60s and minimal wind, standard Dodger Stadium conditions should prevail, giving the home team a significant environmental advantage they’ve exploited all season.
Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Blue Jays-Dodgers Showdown
Primary Play: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+100)
I’m backing the Dodgers on the run line at even money for my primary play. The pitching matchup heavily favors Los Angeles with Glasnow in dominant form and Scherzer showing his age despite his competitiveness. The combination of Dodger Stadium’s friendly confines for the home team, Toronto’s offensive struggles in this park during the regular season, and the momentum shift from Yamamoto’s complete game makes this an attractive spot to back the Dodgers to win by multiple runs. At even money, there’s excellent value on a team that went 52-29 at home during the regular season.
Strong Value Play: Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 Total Bases (-160)
Despite the steep price, I see value in Ohtani’s total bases over. He’s due for a breakout game after a relatively quiet start to the World Series, and Scherzer’s diminished velocity makes him vulnerable to Ohtani’s elite bat speed. The Dodgers’ superstar has consistently delivered in high-leverage situations this postseason, and with the series tied 1-1, expect him to rise to the occasion. Scherzer will need to challenge Ohtani in the zone at some point, and when he does, the Japanese star has the power to capitalize in a ballpark that rewards home run hitters.
Worth Considering: Max Scherzer Under 4.5 Strikeouts (+115)
At plus money, there’s value in the under on Scherzer’s strikeout total. While his competitive nature is unquestioned, the 41-year-old veteran recorded just 5 strikeouts in 5.2 innings against Seattle in the ALCS, and now faces a more disciplined Dodgers lineup that will force him to work deep into counts. Los Angeles hitters rarely chase outside the zone, and with Scherzer likely to be managed carefully in terms of pitch count (he threw just 91 pitches in his ALCS start), the value lies with the under, particularly at a plus-money price.
Player Props Worth Targeting in Today’s Matchup
| Player | Prop | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Over 1.5 Total Bases | -160 | ★★★★☆ |
| Tyler Glasnow | Over 7.5 Strikeouts | -115 | ★★★★☆ |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Over 1.5 Total Bases | -105 | ★★★★☆ |
| Max Scherzer | Under 4.5 Strikeouts | +115 | ★★★☆☆ |
| George Springer | To Record a Hit | -175 | ★★★☆☆ |
Final Thoughts: Homecoming Sets Stage for Dodgers’ Advantage
The emotional elements of this Game 3 shouldn’t be overlooked. Max Scherzer returns to face his former team at Dodger Stadium, where he’ll likely receive a mixed reception after his controversial unavailability for Game 6 of the 2021 NLCS. Meanwhile, the Dodgers look to capitalize on the momentum from Yamamoto’s complete game and the energy of their home crowd. The combination of Glasnow’s dominance, the Dodgers’ offensive firepower, and the home field advantage creates a perfect storm for Los Angeles to take command of this series. While Toronto’s resilience has been remarkable throughout these playoffs, the pitching matchup and venue tilt heavily in the Dodgers’ favor for Game 3.
Score Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Toronto Blue Jays 2
