Mets vs Dodgers: Starting pitchers and lineups | How to watch NL Championship Series Game 3

The Mets and Dodgers are locked in a fierce battle for the National League pennant, with Game 3 of the Championship Series shifting to New York’s Citi Field tonight at 8:08 p.m. ET. The Dodgers took the first game in commanding fashion, but the Mets answered back with a 7-3 win in Game 2, highlighted by a grand slam from third baseman Mark Vientos. Now, the series is tied 1-1, and both teams are ready for the next chapter in this hard-fought series.

Vientos, whose decisive swing brought the Mets level, is excited to be back on home turf. “Playing in front of the New York fans is the best,” he said. “I’m excited to get back.” Mets fans will certainly be loud tonight as both teams look to edge closer to a World Series berth.

The Dodgers have been dominant all season, but they know the Mets won’t go down easily. “It’s going to be a dogfight,” said Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. “They’re a good baseball team, but we are too.”

Starting Pitchers

Dodgers

Walker Buehler
Buehler (1-6, 5.38 ERA) hasn’t had the season he expected, but October has always brought out his best. The Dodgers held him back for Game 3, counting on his postseason experience. Despite a rough outing in the Division Series against the Padres, Buehler’s career postseason ERA of 3.40 shows his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Mets

Luis Severino
Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) has been the Mets’ workhorse all season, though his performance has dipped late. He’s had nine days of rest to prepare for this start, and the Mets are banking on him being sharp after a long season that’s seen him throw over 100 more innings than last year. Severino will have to shake off some rust—his last start against the Dodgers in June didn’t go well, as they tagged him for seven runs in four innings.

Projected Lineups

Dodgers

The Dodgers lineup is strong from top to bottom, and if Freeman and Lux are healthy enough to play, they’ll be at full strength. Even with injuries looming, the Dodgers are confident their depth can carry them.

Mets

Manager Carlos Mendoza has stuck with Jesse Winker at DH, given his past success against Buehler, while J.D. Martinez remains on the bench. Jeff McNeil, now fully recovered from a wrist injury, could return at second base if the Mets want to give Iglesias a day off, but Iglesias is expected to start tonight.

Bullpen Readiness

Dave Roberts has his bullpen rested and ready. If Buehler falters early, Roberts won’t hesitate to call on his high-leverage relievers, who haven’t been taxed much in the first two games.

David Peterson might be available for Game 3, though he threw 40 pitches in Game 1, which could affect his role going forward. Peterson is crucial as a late-Game option against dangerous lefty bats like Ohtani and Freeman, but using him tonight could take him out of the running to start a potential Game 5.

Injuries to Watch

Freddie Freeman’s ankle remains a question mark, but he’s played through the injury so far. Gavin Lux is nursing a sore hip, though the Dodgers expect him to be available. On the Mets’ side, Brandon Nimmo continues to play through plantar fasciitis, which has slowed him at the plate, but he remains a key figure in their lineup. Jeff McNeil, though lacking recent reps, is healthy and could play a role off the bench or as a starter if Mendoza decides to give Iglesias a rest.

Players to Watch

Max Muncy has been the standout so far, coming through with key hits in both Games, including a two-run single in Game 1 and a solo homer in Game 2. Will Smith, on the other hand, has struggled, going 0-for-4 in Game 2 and just 2-for-23 in the postseason. The Dodgers will need him to step up if they want to take control of the series.

Mark Vientos is the hottest hitter left in the postseason, driving in 11 runs and moving up to the No. 2 spot in the lineup. He’s a key player for New York, and his Game 2 grand slam was a reminder of his ability to change a game with one swing. Brandon Nimmo, dealing with his foot injury, hasn’t recorded a hit since Game 2 of the Division Series but remains a patient presence at the top of the order.

With the series now tied, tonight’s Game 3 feels pivotal. The Mets are back in front of their home crowd, and their fans will be bringing the energy, hoping for more heroics from Vientos and company. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, loaded with talent, are counting on Buehler to remind everyone of his October prowess. Whether it’s the long ball or a late-inning bullpen duel, this game is sure to add another chapter to a series that’s already shaping up to be a classic.