Dodgers Manager Explains Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Playoff Rotation Decision

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has clarified the team's decision to start Tarik Skubal in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, rather than ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Roberts revealed that the decision was primarily driven by scheduling considerations to keep pitchers on their usual routines. Yamamoto, who was the team's most productive starter during the regular season and a key performer in the previous year's postseason, was surprised by the decision. "He was very respectful of Yoshinobu," Roberts noted, indicating that Yamamoto had not anticipated being placed behind Skubal and Blake Snell in the playoff rotation.

The Dodgers' strategy aims to ensure Yamamoto remains on his typical pitching schedule. After his final regular-season start, Yamamoto threw extensively in a simulated game during the team's bye week. By slotting him for Game 3 in Atlanta, he will maintain his usual interval. Skubal and Snell, who started later in the regular season rotation, will also remain on their regular schedules by starting Games 1 and 2, respectively.

While Yamamoto will not be available for a potential second start in the NLDS, this rotation allows him to be available for two starts in a subsequent National League Championship Series, should the Dodgers advance. Roberts acknowledged that while winning the current series is the priority, this scheduling decision is also made with future rounds in mind. "I think just kind of looking out, potentially, that just sets up the rotation and Yamamoto better looking forward," he said.

Strategic factors also played a role. The Braves ranked 21st in the majors in OPS against left-handed pitching this season, making the decision to start left-handers Skubal and Snell in the opening games a tactical advantage. Yamamoto's performance has also been notably stronger on the road this year, with a 1.77 ERA compared to a 3.13 ERA at home, bolstering confidence in his ability to pitch at Truist Park.

Despite Yamamoto's stellar regular season (14-9 record, 2.53 ERA) and historic postseason performance last year (5-1 record, 1.45 ERA), the Dodgers are confident in their pitching staff's depth. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman highlighted the strength of the rotation, which also includes Tyler Glasnow as the projected Game 4 starter. "The quality of life is way more difficult than being able to pencil in a Skubal, a Snell, a Yama, and a Glas," Friedman stated, emphasizing the luxury of having such a talented and deep rotation.

The Dodgers believe their starting rotation is the strength of their championship bid, regardless of the order in which their ace pitchers are deployed.