Dodgers to Start Snell in NLCS Game 1, Ohtani Limited to One Series Start
The Los Angeles Dodgers will open the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday with left-handed pitcher Blake Snell on the mound, while righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to start Game 2, limiting Shohei Ohtani to a single start during the series.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the pitching plan yesterday, explaining the decision prioritizes maximizing rest for the team’s starters as they begin a best-of-seven series. “He’ll pitch at some point, but we just don’t know which day,” Roberts said. The Dodgers are not prioritizing a day off for Ohtani following a start, a strategy shift from previous postseason appearances. This decision comes as Ohtani is currently hitting .148 this month with a 4.50 ERA over six postseason innings.
Roberts dismissed the notion that Ohtani’s recent struggles at the plate influenced the pitching decision. “No, not at all,” he stated. “I think it was just kind of Shohei’s going to pitch one game this series. So it’s one game and then you have two other guys that potentially can pitch on regular rest.” The Brewers are expected to utilize an opener in Game 1, followed by a starter to pitch “bulk” innings, potentially Jose Quintana or Quinn Priester, according to Brewers manager Pat Murphy. For fans looking to understand the complexities of postseason pitching strategy, resources like MLB.com’s bullpen glossary offer helpful explanations.
Milwaukee is likely to start righty Freddy Peralta in Game 2, with the status of rookie Jacob Misiorowski still undecided – he could either start a game or contribute multiple innings from the bullpen. The Dodgers are also considering a roster adjustment, potentially carrying only two catchers due to Will Smith’s hand injury not being a significant concern. The NLCS represents a crucial step for both teams as they compete for a World Series berth.
Rosters are due Monday morning, and Roberts indicated he has further conversations to finalize the team’s composition.
