The Los Angeles Dodgers have already defined their starters for the first two games of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Left-hander Blake Snell will take the ball in Game 1, while Japanese Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be in charge of Game 2. Both games will be played at American Family Field, home of the team with the best record in all of Major League Baseball in 2025.
Manager Dave Roberts also confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will pitch at some point in the series, although he did not specify whether he will be a starter or take on another role. For now, the plan is to take advantage of the days off and keep his arm fresh for key situations. Ohtani has not had outings with five days’ rest consistently this season, so the pitching staff is handling his involvement with caution.
Blake Snell vs Brewers in Game 1: Can he stop Milwaukee’s offensive power?
Blake Snell is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He has already been a protagonist in past postseasons, including the World Series in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, he looks set to be the one to stop the offensive pace of the Brewers, who swept the Dodgers in six games during the regular season and come in as the most consistent team of the year.
In two starts during this postseason, Snell has 13 innings of work with just two runs allowed and 18 strikeouts. With a clear strategy, based on limiting contact and avoiding baserunners, the left-hander hopes to lead Los Angeles to a key victory in the first game.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto the starter for Game 2: Dodgers rely on his control on the mound
For the second game of the series, the Dodgers will rely on the arm of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who could have the opportunity to repeat a start in a possible Game 6 if the series extends. The Japanese pitcher has proven his solidity throughout the year and his surgical control will be key to containing a Milwaukee lineup that has been able to punish mistakes.
The Dodgers’ staff has focused on keeping their pitchers fresh and taking advantage of matchups. Yamamoto is considered ideal to face the Brewers’ right-handed bats and his ability to work deep into games will be vital against an unforgiving offense.
After being completely outplayed in the regular season by Milwaukee, the Dodgers come in with a thirst for revenge and better health in their roster. The Los Angeles team has recovered key pieces in both the bullpen and its lineup, which, according to Dave Roberts, puts them in a better position than in previous matchups.
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