Dodgers Starting Rotation For NLCS 2026

One benefit for the Los Angeles Dodgers securing a first-round bye before starting the playoffs with a matchup against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series is it allowed them to set their rotation as desired.

To little surprise, Tarik Skubal received the nod in Game 1. He was followed by Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

But with their NLCS rotation, the Dodgers are making at least one adjustment. Skubal remains the Game 1 starter, however Yamamoto is scheduled to take the ball in Game 2 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said a decision beyond that has not yet been made.

Dodgers NLCS rotation

Game 1: Tarik Skubal

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously touted Skubal starts in the playoffs as must-see TV, and the team again is leaning on the left-hander to help them begin a series on the right foot.

Including his outing in the NLDS, Skubal is 5-0, 1.95 ERA in his last five starts.

The Brewers are expected to counter with Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1.

Game 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yamamoto, unsurprisingly, is bumped up to Game 2 in the NLCS. It was a scenario the Dodgers envisioned when not starting him until Game 3 against the Braves.

“I think it’s just more of looking at how he’s gotten his rest this year and what gives him the best chance to pitch potentially two games — Game 2 and Game 6 — with the off days and the game schedule,” manager Dave Roberts noted.

“That’s probably the best way to manage him.”

Yamamoto’s start in Game 2 is coming on five days of rest. If he’s needed in a Game 6 of the NLCS, that would be on five days’ rest as well.

Logan Henderson is the Brewers’ likely starter for Game 2.

Games 3 and 4: undecided

Snell and Glasnow figure to start Games 3 and 4 in some order.

“From there we’re just going to keep talking through it,” Roberts said of the Dodgers’ NLCS rotation order after Skubal and Yamamoto.

Neither pitcher was overly sharp in their respective NLDS starts, but both allowed just one run. Snell and Glasnow each walked five batters and failed to get past the fifth inning.

Regardless of whether he’s tabbed for Game 3 or 4, Snell is going to be coming off a longer layoff than Glasnow at nine or 10 days. Comparatively, the right-hander is looking at six or seven days between outings. Glasnow could possibly be available out of the bullpen on Sunday and then start Game 4 four days later.