Dodgers define NLCS rotation: Snell opens, Ohtani with a chance

Dodgers Announce Rotation for National League Championship Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers have defined their pitching rotation for the National League Championship Series 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, specifically in the game to be played in Los Angeles.

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

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

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

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

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Ohtani has had a less-than-stellar performance this month, with a batting average of .148 and an ERA of 4.50 in six postseason innings. Roberts denied that the pitching plan for Ohtani was related to his low offensive performance.

“No, not at all. I think it’s simply that 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 affirmed.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Regarding the Brewers, they are expected to use an opener in Game 1, followed by a pitcher to cover the most innings.

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

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

Murphy indicated that Freddy Peralta will start Game 2, and then they will decide the pitcher for Game 3. It is not defined whether rookie Jacob Misiorowski will be a starter or pitch several innings from the bullpen.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know. That’s not defined yet. There’s a possibility it will start,” Murphy declared.

Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

Although the rosters must be submitted on Monday morning, the Dodgers are considering carrying only two catchers, as Will Smith’s hand injury is not a major concern. Smith participated in Games 3 and 4 of the National League Division Series.

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

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager