The Los Angeles Dodgers are adjusting their pitching strategy for the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers. Initially, the plan included Shohei Ohtani pitching in Game 2, but manager Dave Roberts has announced changes.
Changes in Dodgers’ NLCS Pitching Rotation
Starting in Game 1 is Blake Snell, who has had an impressive postseason with a 1.38 ERA in two games. The surprise element comes as Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to pitch Game 2 instead of Ohtani. This decision pushes Ohtani’s next pitching appearance later in the series.
Ohtani’s Role and Timing
Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will pitch at some point during the NLCS, but the exact timing remains unclear. The delay allows Ohtani to focus on his batting, where he has struggled, going one for 18 with nine strikeouts in the previous series. This adjustment is aimed at helping him “recalibrate” at the plate.
Implications for the Series
- Blake Snell will start Game 1.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto will pitch Game 2.
- Shohei Ohtani’s first pitching appearance is now pushed to Game 3 or later.
- Ohtani may still come out of the bullpen in a potential Game 7.
While sacrificing the possibility of two starts for Ohtani, the Dodgers believe this plan optimizes their chances in the series. He has been given the chance to focus solely on improving his offensive performance without the pressure of pitching in the immediate games.
Looking Ahead
As the NLCS progresses, the Dodgers are strategically managing their pitchers while hoping to leverage Ohtani’s full potential later in the series. Roberts remains optimistic: “I expect a different output from Shohei on the offensive side this series.”
