Dodgers Playoff Rotation Set
Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Starting Pitchers and Clear Postseason Rotation Plan
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have locked in their starting rotation for the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, a rematch of the 2021 NL Championship Series. Left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal will start Game 1, followed by Blake Snell in Game 2, pushing 2025 World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Game 3, according to NBC Sports. If needed, Tyler Glasnow is lined up for Game 4. The move targets Atlanta's weakness against left-handed pitching.
Manager Dave Roberts explained the strategy as a rest and alignment plan. Dodgers Nation reported that Skubal, who pitched seven shutout innings in his final regular-season start, earned the Game 1 nod after a dominant run following the trade deadline. The rotation features four ace-level starters, giving Los Angeles a significant advantage heading into October.
Skubal Gets the Game 1 Honor After Strong Late-Season Run
Tarik Skubal was acquired at the July trade deadline and immediately made an impact. In 62 innings with Los Angeles after the deadline, he posted a 2.61 ERA with 70 strikeouts. He expressed readiness for the moment: "Once the months change and the playoffs start, nothing matters," Dodgers Beat reported. "It's just about winning that game." Skubal called the start an honor and privilege.
His career postseason resume backs up the confidence. The Athletic noted Skubal carries a 2.04 ERA over 29.2 playoff innings. Dave Roberts defended the choice, saying it makes sense given Skubal's ability to pitch on regular rest throughout the series. The strategy keeps him aligned to pitch a potential Game 5 if the series extends that far.
Back-to-Back Lefties Target Atlanta's Key Weakness
The Dodgers' rotation construction isn't random. Atlanta struggled badly against left-handed pitching in 2026. The Braves hit just .240 with a .696 OPS against southpaws, compared to .250 with a .730 OPS against right-handers, according to FanGraphs. Starting Skubal and Snell in Games 1 and 2 exploits this vulnerability immediately and puts Atlanta's lineup on its heels early.
Freddie Freeman acknowledged the depth of the staff. "Our pitching staff is pretty special," MLB.com reported Freeman saying. "We have four No. 1s rolling out there with Yamamoto, Snell, Skubal, and Glasnow." The first baseman's confidence reflects how well the rotation aligns with October baseball, where quality starting pitching often decides series outcomes.
Yamamoto Stays Fresh for Later October Push
Pushing the 2025 World Series MVP to Game 3 wasn't a demotion—it was strategic rest. Yamamoto delivered a dominant 2026 season and carried a heavy workload down the stretch. Sports Illustrated noted the decision preserves him for later rounds. If Los Angeles wins the NLDS early, Yamamoto enters the NLCS fully rested rather than potentially burning out in a tight divisional series.
Some traditionalists questioned skipping Yamamoto in Game 1, given his status as the reigning World Series MVP. But Dave Roberts framed it as essential roster management. The approach also protects the bullpen by keeping high-leverage arms like Roki Sasaki and Edwin DÃaz fresh for later in games. All four starters give Los Angeles flexibility to weather any unexpected injuries or poor outings.
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