NL Division Series storylines: Star Power and pitching woes

The National League Division Series starts Saturday with compelling storylines that promise high-stakes drama at every turn.

Cinderella runs clash with championship pedigrees. Ace pitchers face mounting pressure. And for the first time, baseball's biggest star steps onto its grandest stage.

In one corner, the New York Mets, last-minute entrants to the postseason party, stare down the seasoned Philadelphia Phillies.

Across the country, the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers grapple with pitching uncertainties as they prepare to host the hungry San Diego Padres.

Here are storylines from each series to follow:

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Cinderella Mets vs. seasoned Phillies

The New York Mets, who clinched their postseason berth on the final day of the regular season, now face the Philadelphia Phillies in a clash of NL East rivals.

This improbable run for the Mets pits them as underdogs against the battle-tested Phillies, setting the stage for a classic postseason clash of momentum versus experience.

Francisco Lindor vs. Bryce Harper:

Lindor and Harper headline this series. Mets' MVP candidate Lindor proved clutch in the wild-card round, while Harper's 30-homer , .898 OPS season reasserted his dominance.

These franchise cornerstones aim to lead their teams to the next round.

Mets' pitching predicament

New York's pitching staff is up against a tough challenge. According to Mets' MLB.com beat writer Anthony DiComo , Tylor Megill is the frontrunner to start Game 1 against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.

Manager Carlos Mendoza faces the task of managing a worn-out staff following an intense late-season push. Friday marks their first day off since Sept. 23.

Phillies' playoff rhythm

Philadelphia enters unfamiliar territory as the No. 2 seed with a five-day layoff.

In past years, the team thrived on daily postseason action. Can they recapture that urgency after an extended break?

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani's October debut

Ohtani makes his long-awaited postseason debut. His 2023 World Baseball Classic performance shows how he might handle October's bright lights.

The Dodgers need their superstar to shine, especially with Freddie Freeman hampered by a sprained ankle .

Dodgers' pitching puzzle

Los Angeles faces unexpected rotation woes. With Tyler Glasnow (elbow) likely sidelined and Clayton Kershaw (toe) uncertain, Manager Dave Roberts must assemble a staff.

Dustin May (esophageal surgery) has been out since July, and Bobby Miller has struggled. Now, options like Walker Buehler and rookie Landon Knack are being considered alongside Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

This is a stark contrast to the dominant rotation originally envisioned.

Padres' outfield spark

San Diego's outfield trio aims to lead an upset bid. Right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., who played only 102 regular-season games, set the tone with a Game 1 homer in the Wild Card round.

Rookie centerfielder Jackson Merrill's clutch hitting and left fielder Jurickson Profar's experience round out a group that must produce to overcome the Dodgers.