Quick Read
- Shohei Ohtani will start for the Dodgers, pitching on three days’ rest.
- Max Scherzer starts for the Blue Jays in his first World Series Game 7.
- Both teams have their top bullpen arms available for high-leverage situations.
- The Dodgers aim for MLB’s first repeat championship since 2000; the Blue Jays seek their first title since 1993.
- Game 7 begins at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, with global broadcast options.
Game 7 Returns to the World Series: Dodgers and Blue Jays Face Off
It’s been six years since Major League Baseball last saw a Game 7 in the World Series. Now, the sport’s ultimate drama returns to Rogers Centre, where the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to clash for the championship—one night, one game, winner takes all. The tension is palpable, with both teams having pushed each other to the brink through marathon innings and razor-thin margins.
Pitching Showdown: Ohtani vs. Scherzer
This Game 7 features a matchup that feels like something out of a baseball fan’s dream. The Dodgers hand the ball to Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar, while the Blue Jays counter with Max Scherzer, the battle-tested veteran. For Ohtani, this will be only his second career start on three days’ rest—a risk, but one the Dodgers are willing to take for a shot at history. Scherzer, at 41, is fighting against time and aiming to deliver Toronto’s first World Series title since 1993.
Ohtani’s postseason numbers are solid (1-1, 2.87 ERA), but he’s entering unfamiliar territory pitching on short rest, something he’s done just once before. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the gamble, saying, “This is Game 7, so there’s a lot of things that people haven’t done, and you’ve just got to trust your players and try to win a baseball game.” On the other side, Scherzer’s ERA (5.19) belies his knack for rising to big moments—Toronto fans will be hoping for one more “Mad Max” surge.
Starting Lineups: Talent and Tactics Collide
Both managers have tinkered with their lineups, searching for a spark. For the Dodgers, the batting order is likely to mirror Game 6, with Mookie Betts shifted to fourth and Tommy Edman patrolling center. Ohtani will serve as both pitcher and designated hitter, a strategic move to keep his bat in the lineup even after his pitching duties are done. The Dodgers’ starting nine: Shohei Ohtani (DH), Will Smith (C), Freddie Freeman (1B), Mookie Betts (SS), Teoscar Hernández (RF), Max Muncy (3B), Kiké Hernández (LF), Tommy Edman (CF), and Miguel Rojas (2B).
Toronto’s lineup depends on the health of George Springer, who has battled through “right side discomfort” but is expected to return as DH. The Blue Jays will also lean heavily on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Ernie Clement—each capable of delivering in the clutch. Their projected lineup: George Springer (DH), Nathan Lukes (LF), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Bo Bichette (2B), Daulton Varsho (CF), Alejandro Kirk (C), Addison Barger (RF), Ernie Clement (3B), Andrés Giménez (SS).
Bullpen Depth: All Arms on Deck
Game 7 is notorious for unpredictable pitching changes and quick hooks. Roberts has indicated that every Dodger arm except Yoshinobu Yamamoto is available. Tyler Glasnow, who threw just three pitches in Game 6, is primed for bulk innings, with Blake Snell and others ready for high-leverage roles. Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers’ breakout closer, struggled in Game 6 but remains a potential weapon.
Toronto’s bullpen is equally loaded. Louis Varland has tied the postseason appearance record and should be ready to go again, alongside Kevin Gausman, Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Domínguez, and Chris Bassitt. With an off-day before Game 7, manager John Schneider has the luxury of deploying his best arms as needed.
Injuries and X-Factors: Who’s Ready?
Injuries have colored this series. Will Smith of the Dodgers continues to play through a hairline fracture in his hand, while Edman is managing a lingering ankle issue. Toronto’s Springer appears ready to play, though his right side tightness remains a concern. Bichette’s knee sprain has limited his base running, but he’s back in the lineup and could be lifted for a pinch runner in late-game situations.
Performance-wise, Guerrero Jr. has been Toronto’s most consistent postseason bat, while Ernie Clement’s quiet surge (.397 average) has given the Blue Jays a boost. On the Dodgers’ side, only Ohtani, Freeman, and Smith have sustained offensive production, with Betts hoping his clutch Game 6 hit signals a turnaround.
Historic Stakes: Legacies on the Line
This Game 7 marks only the sixth time a team has played two winner-take-all games in a single postseason. The Dodgers are vying to become MLB’s first repeat champions since the Yankees’ dynasty ended in 2000, while the Blue Jays aim to complete a last-to-first turnaround after finishing at the bottom in 2024.
The tension peaked in Game 6, when an unusual ground-rule double—Addison Barger’s ball becoming lodged under the outfield wall—halted a potential Toronto comeback. The Dodgers’ defense sealed the win with a heads-up double play, setting the stage for tonight’s epic conclusion (ESPN).
How to Watch: Global Audience Awaits
First pitch is at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on FOX. In Canada, Sportsnet is the exclusive English broadcaster, while TVA Sports and RDS carry French-language coverage. International fans can tune in via MLB.TV, with regional restrictions.
What to Expect: Strategy, Pressure, and Potential Heroes
With both teams evenly matched and every arm available, Game 7 will be a chess match of bullpen management, lineup adjustments, and gut decisions. The Blue Jays, playing at home, have a slight edge in winner-take-all games historically, but the Dodgers’ experience and star power cannot be discounted.
Who will be the hero? Will it be the established legends—Ohtani, Scherzer, Betts, or Guerrero Jr.—or an unlikely star stepping up in the biggest moment? This is the kind of drama that keeps fans glued to their screens, where every pitch, swing, and defensive play could tilt the balance.
The Final Word
As the curtain rises on the most anticipated baseball game of the year, all eyes are on Toronto. The World Series trophy is within reach, but only one team will seize it. The Dodgers and Blue Jays have given fans a series filled with resilience, drama, and unforgettable moments. Tonight, history will be made—one pitch at a time.
With elite starters on short rest, deep bullpens, and an unpredictable lineup of potential heroes, Game 7 promises not just closure but a defining chapter in baseball’s ongoing story. The outcome will hinge on who best manages fatigue, nerves, and the pressure of the moment—reminding us why baseball’s ultimate showdown is the sport’s purest test of character and skill.