Dodgers vs Blue Jays World Series Game 2 Preview: Yamamoto and Gausman Set for Pitching Duel in Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers are ready for Game 2 of the 2025 World Series on Saturday night at Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays lead the series 1–0 after a commanding 11–4 win in Game 1, and now both teams turn to their aces for what promises to be a high-stakes pitching showdown. The main keyword for tonight’s clash is clear — Dodgers vs Blue Jays World Series Game 2 Preview — as Yoshinobu Yamamoto faces Kevin Gausman in a duel that could set the tone for the rest of the series.

Toronto’s crowd will again play a major factor, with fans eager to see if their team can move one step closer to its first championship since 1993. For Los Angeles, Game 2 is crucial to avoid heading home down two games in the series.

Yamamoto and Gausman Headline World Series Game 2 Pitching Matchup

The Dodgers are sending out Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has been dominant throughout the postseason. With a 2–1 record and an impressive 1.83 ERA across 19.2 innings, Yamamoto has been one of the biggest stories of October. In the National League Championship Series, he threw a complete game against Milwaukee — the first Dodgers pitcher to do so in the playoffs since 2004. His command and poise will be key against Toronto’s red-hot offense.

Opposing him is veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman, a two-time All-Star who has been equally impressive this postseason. Gausman enters with a 2.00 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 18 innings. He’s been Toronto’s anchor, securing key wins against the Yankees and Mariners in earlier rounds. With the Blue Jays offense firing behind him, Gausman will look to keep Los Angeles’ big bats — Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman — off balance.

Toronto manager John Schneider emphasized before the game that Gausman’s experience and control will be vital to maintaining the team’s early momentum. Meanwhile, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts noted Yamamoto’s ability to bounce back from pressure situations as “the difference-maker” in high-stakes contests.

Key Lineups and Series Outlook

While the full confirmed lineups were pending as of press time, the projected batting orders offer plenty of star power. The Dodgers’ lineup is expected to feature Shohei Ohtani as designated hitter, followed by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith anchoring the middle of the order. Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy will bring power from the corners, with Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Andy Pages rounding out the defense.

For the Blue Jays, George Springer leads off as DH, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette providing offensive depth in the heart of the order. Catcher Alejandro Kirk and outfielder Addison Barger — both of whom made World Series history in Game 1 — add extra momentum. Daulton Varsho, Ernie Clement, and Andrés Giménez complete a balanced lineup built around contact and clutch hitting.

The Rogers Centre crowd is expected to be electric again, as Toronto aims to take a commanding 2–0 series lead before the action shifts to Los Angeles on Monday. With both teams fielding elite starting pitchers, tonight’s contest could swing the entire momentum of the Fall Classic.

Game 2 of the Dodgers vs Blue Jays World Series begins Saturday, October 25, at 8 p.m. ET. Expect a tighter, more tactical duel between two of the best arms in baseball as both teams fight for the upper hand.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who are the starting pitchers for Dodgers vs Blue Jays Game 2?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for the Dodgers, while Kevin Gausman takes the mound for the Blue Jays.

Q2: What time does World Series Game 2 start?

The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Q3: What was the score of World Series Game 1?

The Blue Jays defeated the Dodgers 11–4 in Game 1, taking a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Q4: Who hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history?

Toronto’s Addison Barger made history with a pinch-hit grand slam in Game 1.

Q5: When will the World Series shift to Los Angeles?

Games 3, 4, and 5 will be played at Dodger Stadium starting Monday, October 27.