MLB Postseason Predictions: Experts Weigh In on NLDS Matchups

The National League Division Series are set to commence, and experts from The California Post have offered their predictions for the matchups between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves, as well as the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Dodgers vs. Braves

The majority of The Post's experts favor the Dodgers to advance past the Braves. Rich Barak cited the Dodgers' rotation and bullpen as the deciding factors, predicting a series win in five games. Kendall Capps and Michael J. Duarte also leaned towards the Dodgers, with Capps emphasizing the importance of starting pitching and Duarte noting the Braves' potentially depleted pitching staff against the Dodgers' rested rotation. Capps predicted a four-game sweep for the Dodgers, while Duarte projected a four-game series victory.

Jack Harris and Dylan Hernandez echoed similar sentiments, with Harris highlighting the Braves' worn-down pitching and Hernandez suggesting the Braves might be fatigued after a previous wild-card series. Both predicted Dodgers victories in four and three games, respectively. Christian Orozco also backed the Dodgers in four games, expressing trust in their starting rotation.

Padres vs. Brewers

The predictions for the Padres-Brewers series were more divided. Rich Barak predicted the Brewers would win in five games, attributing the victory to "The Mizard of Oz." Kendall Capps and Jack Harris both favored the Padres, with Capps pointing to the team's momentum and Harris emphasizing the strength of the Padres' bullpen in a short series. Capps predicted a five-game series win for the Padres, while Harris foresaw a four-game victory.

Michael J. Duarte and Christian Orozco predicted a Brewers victory. Duarte believes Milwaukee earned home-field advantage for a reason and would win a close five-game series, especially if it comes down to Jacob Misiorowski closing out a game. Orozco also predicted a four-game Brewers win, expecting Misiorowski to cool off the Padres' offense.

Dylan Hernandez sided with the Padres in five games, noting their dangerous potential when riding an emotional high.