MLB

Who's beating this? How Dodgers might stack rotation in NLCS vs. Brewers

October 8, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the NLCS with a rotation that dominated the Braves in the NL Division Series, posting a combined 1.69 ERA across four starts. Tarik Skubal, acquired at the trade deadline, will anchor Game 1 after a strong NLDS performance, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto—who has never started on fewer than five days' rest with the team—is slated for Game 2, potentially leapfrogging Blake Snell.

Yamamoto’s flexibility, including his willingness to pitch on shorter rest if needed, adds a strategic edge, especially if the series stretches to a potential Game 6. Snell, still recovering from mid-season tightness, will start Game 3, benefiting from extra rest to refine his delivery.

Tyler Glasnow, who has been untouchable in postseason starts (7-0), rounds out the rotation as the No. 4 starter, showcasing the Dodgers’ depth.

Manager Dave Roberts’ lineup reflects a mix of experience and adaptability, with Yamamoto’s World Series MVP pedigree and Glasnow’s clutch postseason record providing key advantages against the Brewers.