Brief
Dodgers’ rotation primed for NLCS as Skubal set to start against Brewers
After a dominant NLDS, the Dodgers plan to use their top‑five starters, including Yamamoto and Skubal, in the upcoming series versus the Brewers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers with a rotation they consider the best in baseball, according to manager Dave Roberts.
What happened
In the NL Division Series, the Dodgers allowed just four runs across four games, posting a 1.69 ERA – second only to the Tampa Bay Rays. The rotation featured Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tarik Skubal. Skubal earned the Game 1 start in the NLCS, while Yamamoto is scheduled for Games 2 and 6. The Dodgers avoided a Game 5 in the NLDS, giving them flexibility to align the rotation for the NLCS.
What the reports add
The Los Angeles Times notes that Snell tweaked his right groin in his penultimate regular‑season start, and Glasnow improved after a rough September. Skubal, a trade‑deadline acquisition, limited the Braves to two hits over six innings in Game 1 of the NLDS. Roberts said the rotation’s strength eases the burden on the bullpen and helps manage “certain looks” from relievers.
What was said
"We locked in and did a pretty good job," Glasnow told reporters on Friday.
Roberts said, "I think we’ve got the best rotation top to bottom in baseball, and it’s nice to be able to reset the rotation and get these guys going." He added that a strong rotation makes life easier for the bullpen.
Kiké Hernández praised the starters, saying, "They did what they had to do. They kept us in games when we weren’t scoring. Not surprised." Skubal reflected after his NLDS start, "I’ve executed every pitch that I throw thousands of times."
How it came about
Earlier coverage by Felo News highlighted the Dodgers’ rested rotation as a key factor in NLDS predictions (see post‑season outlook) and the team’s preparation for the Braves series (Dodgers gear up for NLDS showdown). The rotation’s performance in the NLDS built on those expectations, positioning the Dodgers for a third straight World Series attempt.
Key facts
- The Dodgers allowed four runs in four NLDS games, posting a 1.69 ERA. (latimes.com)
- Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the NLCS against the Brewers. (latimes.com)
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to pitch Games 2 and 6 of the NLCS. (latimes.com)
- Manager Dave Roberts called the rotation the best top‑to‑bottom in baseball. (latimes.com)
- Blake Snell tweaked his right groin in his penultimate regular‑season start. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “By not overextending itself vs. Braves, Dodgers' rotation primed for success vs. Brewers”
