Full Breakdown
Dodgers Set Rotation for NLCS Opener vs. Brewers
By Drooid · · How we work
Opening the NLCS: Pitching Plans
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts announced that left-hander Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 and right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 2 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision was revealed in a Friday video conference ahead of the Dodgers’ travel to Milwaukee.
Background & Context
The Dodgers entered the NLCS after eliminating the Atlanta Braves in four games of the Division Series. Their rotation, bolstered by a mid-season trade that brought Skubal from Detroit, now features two recent Cy Young Award winners: Skubal and Yamamoto (2025 World Series MVP). The Brewers earned home-field advantage with the league’s best regular-season record of 103–59, edging the Dodgers’ 100-win season.
Key Figures
- Tarik Skubal – Left-handed starter, acquired from Detroit; 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts in 158 2/3 innings.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Right-handed ace; 2.53 ERA with 182 strikeouts over 185 innings.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager.
Timeline
- September 19, 2026 – Skubal was photographed reacting after a walk at Dodger Stadium.
- October 3, 2026 – Brewers’ pitcher Jacob Misiorowski started against the San Diego Padres.
- October 7, 2026 – Yamamoto celebrated a postseason victory over the Braves.
- October 8 – Andy Pages delivered a decisive two-run single in Game 4 of the Division Series.
- October 9, 2026 (scheduled) – Skubal and Yamamoto’s NLCS starts are set for Sunday and Monday.
Data & Statistics
- Skubal’s NLDS: 6 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 7 K, 2 BB.
- Yamamoto’s NLDS: 7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 10 K, 1 BB.
- Dodgers postseason (last three seasons): 8-1 record; Yamamoto’s 2.14 ERA, second-best in 100 years among pitchers with >=10 playoff starts.
- Brewers’ staff: Misiorowski posted a 1.80 ERA with 252 strikeouts; Logan Henderson recorded a 2.47 ERA.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts said starting Skubal, the most rested pitcher, and giving Yamamoto extra rest aligns with the team’s “reset” of the rotation for the series. He noted the Dodgers are considering adding a pitcher to the NLCS roster, which would require dropping a position player. Regarding injured utility infielder Miguel Rojas, Roberts said imaging showed prior back issues and the player’s status remains “nothing definitive.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we’ve got the best rotation top to bottom in baseball,” — Dave Roberts.
What’s Next
- Game 1: Sunday at American Family Field, Milwaukee – Skubal vs. Jacob Misiorowski.
- Game 2: Monday at the same venue – Yamamoto vs. Logan Henderson.
- The series follows a 2-3-2 format, with the next three games scheduled for Dodger Stadium if necessary.
The Dodgers’ early rotation choices place two of baseball’s most accomplished starters on the mound first, setting the stage for a pitching duel that could shape the NLCS outcome.