Dodgers define rotation: Snell opens NLCS, Ohtani in the center.

Dodgers set rotation for NLCS; Ohtani with one start

The Los Angeles Dodgers have defined their pitching plan for the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers. Blake Snell will start Game 1, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound in Game 2. This means Shohei Ohtani will only have one start in the series, scheduled for the middle stretch in Los Angeles.

“He will throw at some point, but we just don’t know what day,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Unlike previous situations, the Dodgers are not prioritizing pitching Ohtani before a day off. They are looking to maximize rest for other starters in this best-of-seven series.

“It’s not that important. I think appreciating having four starters in a potential seven-game series and who can potentially pitch twice, that’s the impetus, versus Shohei having that day off after a game,” Roberts explained.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Ohtani has had a difficult month in terms of batting, with a .148 average and a 4.50 ERA in six postseason innings. Roberts was asked if the pitching plan for Ohtani was related to his poor offensive performance.

“No, not at all. I think Shohei is going to pitch a game in this series. So it’s one game and then you have two other guys who can potentially pitch with regular rest,” Roberts replied.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

The Brewers, for their part, will likely use an opener in Game 1 before giving the ball to a “bulk” innings pitcher.

“Game 1 looks like, ‘OK, who on our team can give us length?'”, said Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “[Jose] Quintana, [Quinn] Priester, something like that, to give us volume.”

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

Murphy indicated that Freddy Peralta would start Game 2 and then they will decide on Game 3. He was still unsure if rookie Jacob Misiorowski would start a game or pitch multiple innings from the bullpen.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know. That hasn’t been finalized yet. There’s a possibility it will start,” Murphy said.

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

Teams must submit their rosters by Monday morning, but the Dodgers are considering carrying only two catchers, as Will Smith’s hand injury is not a major concern. Smith played Games 3 and 4 in the National League Division Series.

“I have a couple of conversations to have shortly. But yes, that’s a good idea,” Roberts said.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager