Dodgers Set NLCS Rotation, Aiming to Replicate Past Success Against Brewers
Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are slated to start Games 1 and 2, respectively, as the Dodgers plan their pitching strategy for the series rematch with Milwaukee.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their starting pitching rotation for the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, beginning Sunday. The strategy mirrors their approach from the NL Division Series, aiming to leverage their top arms early and often.
Tarik Skubal will take the mound for Game 1, marking his second consecutive series opener. He is set to face Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski. This decision places the Dodgers' presumed Cy Young candidate in a pivotal opening game, a role he also held in the NLDS.
Following Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been moved up to start Game 2. This adjustment allows Yamamoto to pitch on his regular weekly schedule and potentially start twice in the NLCS. In the NLDS, Yamamoto's start was pushed to Game 3 to maintain his pitching rhythm, with Blake Snell starting Game 2. While Snell had a challenging outing in that NLDS Game 2 start, Yamamoto delivered a strong performance in Game 3, outdueling Chris Sale and lowering his postseason ERA to 2.14.
This rotation allows Yamamoto to pitch on five days of rest for Game 2 and potentially again on five days of rest for a Game 6, if necessary. The remainder of the rotation is expected to feature Blake Snell in Game 3 and Tyler Glasnow in Game 4. Skubal could be available for a potential Game 5 on four days of rest.
The Dodgers' pitching staff is seen as a significant advantage over the Brewers, a dynamic that proved crucial in last year's NLCS sweep. In that series, the Dodgers' rotation, which included Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, surrendered just two runs over 28 2/3 innings. They combined for 35 strikeouts against the Brewers.
Key to their previous success was the strategic use of off-speed and breaking pitches to disrupt the Brewers' hitters, who are known for making contact. Snell heavily utilized his changeup, Yamamoto relied on his splitter and curveball, Glasnow varied his pitch mix, and Ohtani employed a seven-pitch arsenal. This approach induced uncharacteristic chase rates and a high whiff percentage from the Brewers lineup.
With the addition of Skubal and the ongoing absence of Shohei Ohtani due to injury, the Dodgers are hoping their pitching staff can once again carry them to the NL pennant, aiming for a third consecutive appearance in the World Series.