Walker Buehler: Buehler, once one of the best starters in the sport, hasn’t been the same since returning from his second Tommy John surgery. He posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts this season, and he probably shouldn’t even be on a playoff roster, let alone starting Game 3.

Landon Knack: He posted a 3.74 ERA over 65 innings this season, and the 27-year-old rookie will immediately find himself in a key spot in the postseason.

This isn’t meant to downplay the Dodgers’ offensive firepower with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith. But the Padres have enough offensive firepower to take on LA and much better pitching.

Phillies over Brewers in 5 games

The Brewers have had a special season and have overcome everything that has been thrown at them. It would hardly be a surprise if they did the same in this series, which would have the added twist of Rhys Hoskins taking on his former team in the play-offs.

But while Tobias Myers, Frankie Montas and Aaron Civale have given Milwaukee better pitching depth than some may know, Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Aaron Nola are probably the best pitching trio in the playoffs.

Granted, Ranger Suárez had a 5.65 ERA after the All-Star break and will likely have to pitch Game 4, which is concerning. But if Wheeler has to come back in Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park, so be it.

Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber each enter this series at age 11, tied with Jayson Werth for the most postseason home runs in Phillies history. Expect these two to take turns setting new records.

When you combine that with a strong starting staff and a deep bullpen, the Phillies advance to the NLCS for the third year in a row.