Full Breakdown
Dodgers Set Rotation for NLDS vs. Braves
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Oct 3, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the opening-day pitching lineup for the NLDS against the Braves: left-hander Tarik Skubal will start Game 1, right-hander Blake Snell will start Game 2, and right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated for Game 3 in Atlanta. The decision follows a week-long rotation shuffle that placed Skubal in the first slot and pushed Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, to the third game.
Background & Context
During the regular season Yamamoto led the Dodgers in wins, starts, innings pitched (185.0) and strikeouts with a 2.53 ERA. Skubal, acquired at the trade deadline, posted a 2.61 ERA in ten Dodgers starts. Snell entered the postseason with a 1.90 ERA and a franchise-record 41 strikeouts in prior playoff appearances.
The Braves ranked 22nd in wOBA against left-handed pitchers and 11th against right-handers, a disparity the Dodgers cited when shaping their rotation. Both clubs entered the series after a bye week; the Dodgers used the pause to map out rest schedules, while the Braves arrived from a three-game wild-card victory over the Phillies.
Data & Statistics
- Yamamoto: 14-9, 2.53 ERA, 182 K, 0.55 ERA in 16.1 IP at Truist Park.
- Skubal: 12-7, 2.72 ERA, 63 K in his first seven postseason outings.
- Snell: 4-1, 1.90 ERA, 41 K in 34 postseason innings (Dodgers record).
- Braves left-handed hitters: .171 BA vs. lefties, .180 vs. righties (2026).
- Attendance: Game 1 crowd 50,194 – an 11-year low for a Dodgers playoff game.
- Weather: Game-time temperature 100 °F (38 °C), feels-like 105 °F.
Official Statements & Responses
Skubal warned fans “you’re going to drink a lot of water” given the extreme heat. The front office highlighted the depth of the staff, noting that four ace-level starters allow the team to “line up the best arms” and preserve five-day rest for Yamamoto, positioning him for a potential NLCS start on Oct 12.
On-the-Ground Reports
The 100-degree temperature created visible gaps in the stands as fans sought shade or indoor cooling. Despite the heat, the Dodgers generated offense, with Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy each homering in Game 1.
Why It Matters / Impact
Starting Skubal in Game 1 maximizes the Dodgers’ left-handed advantage against a Braves lineup that struggles against southpaws. Pushing Yamamoto to Game 3 gives him his first extended rest of the season and aligns his schedule for a potential NLCS start. The rotation also offers contingency options: Snell’s postseason experience and Glasnow’s four-day-rest history give flexibility should the series extend.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's more about just knowing that they're all going to pitch this series,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “We have such talented starters. I think you can roll out any of us in any situation and you’re going to be in a really good spot,” — Tarik Skubal
- “You’re going to drink a lot of water,” — Tarik Skubal