When Jose Daniel Quintana, a left‑handed pitcher for Milwaukee Brewers, confirmed he’ll factor into the NLCS Game 3 plan on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the baseball world took a collective breath. The clash is set for Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and both clubs know a single swing could tilt a best‑of‑seven series that’s already 0‑2 in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brewers manager Pat Murphy, the former Arizona Diamondbacks skipper turned bench coach, hinted Quintana will likely work behind an opener, a move that echoes his own NLDS tactics from last year.
How the NLCS Arrived at Game 3
The National League Championship Series began with a blistering display of power from the Dodgers. In Game 1, Blake Snell kept the Brewers’ bats silent with a mix of changeups and a late‑inning strikeout rally, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto followed suit in Game 2, stifling any hope of a quick Brewers comeback. The result? A 12‑3 combined score that left Milwaukee trailing and fans yearning for a spark.
That spark could be Quintana’s experience. He’s faced the Dodgers twice in July, tossing six innings in Milwaukee on July 5 and limiting the host to one run, then traveling to Dodger Stadium on July 16 and surrendering four runs while still keeping the game within reach. Notably, Shohei Ohtani launched a solo homer off Quintana in that second outing, a reminder that even veterans can be surprised.
Quintana’s Recent Outings Against Los Angeles
- July 5, 2025 – Six innings, one run allowed at American Family Field.
- July 16, 2025 – Six innings, four runs allowed at Dodger Stadium; Ohtani’s homer came in the fourth inning.
- Career vs. Dodgers: 2‑0 record in the regular season, 1.85 ERA.
Those numbers suggest Quintana knows the Dodgers’ tendencies. He’s seen how they grind away with right‑handed sluggers like Freddie Freeman and how left‑handed threats such as Ohtani can change the wind. His own words summed it up: “To get this opportunity, I think it’s a privilege. Right now we’re focused to win a game, the first game. And after, we can focus on another game.” His calm confidence is the kind of locker‑room vibe that can quiet a crowd of 55,000 roaring for the home side.
Brewers’ Pitching Strategy and Bullpen Depth
Murphy’s bullpen is a tapestry of youth and seasoned arms. Rookie right‑hander Jacob Misiorowski, a 22‑year‑old second‑round pick, has been earmarked for long‑relief if the game goes deep. Meanwhile, left‑handed specialist Aaron Ashby and right‑hander Abner Uribe have logged innings in every NLCS contest so far.
Murphy admitted the plan is fluid: “Everybody knows what we’ve got,” he said, gesturing toward a roster where every arm is ready to step in. The idea of using Quintana as a bridge – perhaps entering after an opener to face the Dodgers’ left‑handed hitters – could neutralize Ohtani and Freeman before the right‑handed barrage begins.
Dodgers Lineup and Pitching Matchup
Los Angeles’ order loads the top with Ohtani and Freeman, then leans on right‑handed firepower from Mookie Betts, catcher Will Smith, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Manager Dave Roberts is expected to rotate his bullpen—already rested after Game 2—so any long‑relief role for Quintana could force a strategic shuffle.
Dodgers relievers such as Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki are ready with sub‑13‑pitch outings. If the Brewers can lock down the early innings, they could force Los Angeles deeper into the bullpen, a scenario that would tilt the series odds.
What Game 3 Could Mean for the Series
If Quintana and the Brewers can stifle the Dodgers’ left‑handed onslaught, a win would not just narrow the gap—it would inject momentum. Historically, teams that steal a game after falling behind 0‑2 in a best‑of‑seven have a 30 % chance of forcing a decisive Game 5. The Brewers’ younger core, especially center fielder Jackson Chourio, will also need to stay healthy after a cramp in the seventh inning of Game 2.
Regardless of the outcome, Game 3 will likely dictate the tactical tenor of Game 4, scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:38 PM ET. Should the Brewers pull off a surprise victory, they’ll go into the final two games with a renewed belief that the Dodgers’ eight‑game postseason streak can be broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Quintana’s role affect the Brewers’ chances of winning Game 3?
Quintana brings veteran poise and a proven track record against Los Angeles. If he can bridge the gap between an opener and the later innings, he’ll give Milwaukee a better chance to neutralize left‑handed threats like Ohtani, improving the odds of a comeback. His experience also steadies younger relievers, which could prove decisive in a tight contest.
What’s the significance of the Dodgers’ eight‑game postseason winning streak?
The streak, dating back to the 2024 playoffs, underscores Los Angeles’ consistency in high‑pressure situations. Breaking it would not only boost the Brewers’ morale but also signal a shift in the National League power balance heading into the World Series.
Which Dodgers hitters pose the biggest threat to Milwaukee’s lineup?
Shohei Ohtani’s power and Freddie Freeman’s disciplined contact are the primary concerns. Both bat left‑handed, meaning a left‑handed pitcher like Quintana could be pivotal. Right‑handed bats such as Mookie Betts add depth, but their impact hinges on earlier outs.
What are the potential lineups for Game 4 if the Brewers win Game 3?
Should Milwaukee pull off a win, manager Pat Murphy is likely to stick with the same bullpen order, possibly giving Misiorowski a longer stint. The Dodgers may respond by sparingly using their rested relievers, with Dave Roberts eyeing a quick‑strike approach from Snell or Yamamoto to regain momentum.
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