Cubs-Padres Series Outcome Could Impact Dodgers' NLDS Game 1 Start Time

The Los Angeles Dodgers' National League Division Series (NLDS) opener on Saturday could be played under significantly hotter conditions, depending on the outcome of the wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres.

If the Cubs win their series, the Dodgers' NLDS Game 1 will commence at 6 p.m. local time. However, if the Padres advance, the game will begin at 1 p.m. local time. This earlier start time could mean first-pitch temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit due to a heatwave expected in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the potential impact of the weather, stating, "It's going to be a hot weekend. And to play at night would certainly be more beneficial."

While the Dodgers are not publicly rooting for a specific outcome in the Cubs-Padres series, and are also facing uncertainty regarding their NLDS opponent (either the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies), the game time for their opener remains undecided. This has created a slight delay in the team's planning, with Roberts noting that the club has not yet finalized its starting rotation for the NLDS due to the uncertainty of opponents and game times.

The projected starting rotation, should the Dodgers face the Brewers in the NLDS, is Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 1, Tarik Skubal in Game 2, Blake Snell in Game 3, and Tyler Glasnow in Game 4. This alignment would allow Yamamoto to maintain his regular rest schedule, provide Snell with additional recovery time after a recent groin injury, and potentially allow Glasnow to be used in relief earlier in the series, similar to his role in the previous postseason.

Ultimately, the Dodgers are awaiting the conclusion of the wild-card series to confirm both their opponent and the specific start time for their playoff campaign.