Blue Jays Players Downplay World Series Rematch vs Dodgers

Toronto players try to treat upcoming series as just another matchup against a tough opponent.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:55pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant team colors.The highly anticipated World Series rematch between the Blue Jays and Dodgers will showcase the raw energy and competitive spirit of two elite MLB teams.Los Angeles Today

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers will face off in a highly anticipated rematch of last year's thrilling World Series, which the Dodgers won in 11 innings. However, Blue Jays players have tried to downplay the significance of the series, saying they are focused on winning and not dwelling on the past.

Why it matters

The World Series rematch between the Blue Jays and Dodgers is a marquee early-season matchup between two of baseball's top teams. While the players may be trying to treat it like any other series, the anticipation and emotion from fans will be high given the epic nature of last year's Fall Classic.

The details

The Blue Jays and Dodgers will play a three-game series starting on Monday at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Dodgers will start pitchers Justin Wrobleski, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani in the series. Blue Jays players like Ernie Clement, George Springer, and Myles Straw have all stated they are trying to focus on winning the series and not get caught up in the hype of the World Series rematch.

  • The three-game series begins on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers took place last November.

The players

Ernie Clement

An infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who set the MLB record for 30 hits in the 2025 postseason.

George Springer

An outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who hit a pivotal three-run homer in ALCS Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners to help the Blue Jays reach the 2025 World Series.

Myles Straw

An outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who acknowledged the excitement from fans for the World Series rematch but said the team is focused on the present.

Justin Wrobleski

A pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who will start the series opener at the Rogers Centre.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The 2025 World Series MVP for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will start the second game of the series against Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“It's just another series that we really have to win, honestly. Our schedule is kind of bizarre at the beginning of the year. It's another series against a really, really good team. They're going to try to kick our ass. We're going to show up to the ballpark ready to play.”

— Ernie Clement, Infielder

“That's all it is. Last year is last year and it doesn't have any merit on this year. Obviously, it's a very, very good team in early April. We'll see what happens.”

— George Springer, Outfielder

“I know the fans are going to want to see it. For us, it's a new season and it's another series. We're trying to win a series at that point, but once it happens and we're taking the field, I'm sure there will be a little emotion. For me, I'm trying not to look back at last season. I'm trying to focus on winning here and living in the present. That's all you can do, but it's going to be fun.”

— Myles Straw, Outfielder

What’s next

The three-game series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers will be a key early-season matchup between two of baseball's top teams. Fans will be eager to see if the teams can recreate the drama and excitement of last year's World Series.

The takeaway

While the Blue Jays players may be trying to downplay the significance of the World Series rematch, the anticipation and emotion from fans will be high. This series will be a litmus test for both teams as they look to return to the Fall Classic in 2026.