2025-09-26 Dodgers at Mariners Matchup Preview

Starting Pitching Matchup

Emmet Sheehan will take the mound for the Dodgers, while the Mariners will counter with Trevor McDonald. Sheehan's repertoire is built around generating swings and misses with a fastball that possesses above-average velocity and late movement. He complements this with a sharp breaking ball designed to keep hitters off balance. McDonald relies more on command and control, working the edges of the plate with a mix of pitches designed to induce weak contact. His success hinges on keeping the ball down in the zone and avoiding hard-hit balls.

Dodgers' Offensive Profile

The Los Angeles Dodgers' offense has been one of the most potent in baseball this season. As a team, they have been able to generate a Weighted On-Base Average of 0.344 which can be a sign of a disciplined team that makes smart decisions when it comes to their at-bats. They are also able to hit for power with a Fly Ball percentage which has allowed them to score a lot of runs. The Dodgers have consistently demonstrated the ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities.

Mariners' Offensive Profile

The Seattle Mariners' offense has been relatively disappointing this season. Their ability to get on base has been lacking based on their Weighted On-Base Average of just 0.313. In order for them to be successful in this game they will need to find some consistency.

Pitching vs. Hitting: Key Matchups

The key to this game will be how well Trevor McDonald can keep the Dodgers' potent lineup in check. Given that the Dodgers are disciplined at the plate and don't give away easy at-bats, it will be important for McDonald to consistently hit his spots to prevent the Dodgers from building up rallies. McDonald's ability to minimize hard contact will be crucial against a Dodgers team capable of generating significant offensive production.

On the other side, the Mariners' hitters will need to find ways to disrupt Sheehan's rhythm and approach. He can dominate with his fastball velocity and when he is hitting his spots, it is hard to square him up and get on base. The Mariner's lower Fly Ball percentage won't matter if Sheehan can keep the ball low in the zone, allowing them to keep the ball in the park. They will need to make adjustments to get on base so that they can give themselves a chance to score.

Bullpen Outlook

Both teams possess reliable bullpens capable of holding leads or keeping the game close. The Dodgers' bullpen has consistently performed well throughout the season, showcasing depth and versatility. They have multiple arms capable of pitching in high-leverage situations, providing manager Dave Roberts with options late in games. Similarly, the Mariners' bullpen has been a strength, featuring a mix of power arms and crafty veterans. Their ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities has been a key factor in their success this season. The Mariners' relief corps will be counted on to shut down the Dodgers' offense should McDonald falter early. The same goes for the Dodgers, who will need their bullpen to protect a lead if Sheehan exits the game before the later innings.

Intangibles and Prediction

This late-season matchup carries significant weight for both teams, particularly the Mariners, who find themselves in a tight playoff race. The pressure to perform in front of their home crowd could either energize them or add to the weight of expectations. The Dodgers, while likely playoff-bound, are looking to solidify their position and maintain momentum heading into the postseason. While both teams have been very good, the Dodgers are slight favorites in this matchup due to the Mariners offensive struggles and because they are so good at getting on base.

While the Mariners pitching has a chance to win this game for them if they can dominate and keep the Dodger's offense at bay. It could get ugly quick if McDonald can't keep the ball down and keep the Dodger's hitters from getting on base.

Dodgers 4 Mariners 2