Dodgers: Snell and Yamamoto Will Open the World Series Against Blue Jays

Dodgers Set Rotation for the World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced their rotation for the first two games of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Blake Snell will start Game 1 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto Game 2. This decision replicates the pitching order used by the Dodgers in the first two games of the National League Championship Series, where they swept the Milwaukee Brewers in four games. Snell had a dominant performance in Game 1 of the previous series, striking out 10 in eight scoreless innings. He became the first Dodgers pitcher to complete eight innings allowing one hit or less in a postseason game. Yamamoto shone in Game 2, pitching a complete game with only three hits allowed, the first for the Dodgers in the postseason since 2004. Roberts indicated that the starting pitchers for Games 3 and 4, which will be played at Dodger Stadium, have not yet been decided, but suggested that Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani could follow in that order.

“I think we’re going to repeat the same rotation, for sure for the first two games,” Roberts affirmed.

Dave Roberts

Ohtani, who was named MVP of the National League Championship Series, had an outstanding performance in Game 4, with 10 strikeouts and three home runs, securing the Dodgers’ place in the World Series. Dodgers’ starters combined for 35 strikeouts in the National League Championship Series. Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Ohtani recorded an ERA of 0.63 against the Brewers, allowing only two earned runs in 28⅔ innings. Roberts also mentioned that the bullpen alignment is under discussion, given that the Blue Jays team presents right-handed power hitters that the Dodgers did not previously face. Reliever Tanner Scott is eligible for the World Series roster after being removed from the National League Division Series roster due to emergency surgery. Roberts indicated that they are evaluating his physical condition. “We’re trying to get the okay from the doctors,” Roberts said. “I know he’s eager, which is good, but fortunately, we have a couple more days to see how he responds to the throws and bullpen sessions.”