The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed that pitchers Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound for Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. This decision follows their impressive performances in the postseason.
Outstanding Performance by Dodgers’ Pitchers
Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been pivotal for the Dodgers, contributing to the team’s postseason success. Together, they have secured wins in five out of six games started, with an extraordinary ERA collectively.
Blake Snell’s Dominance
- Snell has earned a 0.86 ERA in the postseason.
- He has recorded 28 strikeouts against five walks over 21 innings.
- In Game 1 of the NL Championship Series (NLCS), Snell struck out 10 batters, allowing only one hit over eight innings.
- He is the first Dodgers pitcher to complete eight innings while allowing one hit or fewer in a playoff game.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Impact
- Yamamoto has achieved a solid 1.83 ERA with 18 strikeouts and four walks over 19.2 innings.
- He completed the first postseason game in eight years in Game 2 against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing just one run and three hits.
Team Statistics and Future Plans
The Dodgers’ starting pitchers have dominated the postseason, throwing 62% of the team’s innings. This is significantly higher than the 42% recorded during the 2024 World Series. Manager Dave Roberts has not yet announced the starters for Games 3 and 4 but hinted that Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani might follow Snell and Yamamoto.
Postseason Credentials
- Ohtani earned MVP honors in the previous round, striking out 10 batters and hitting three home runs in Game 4.
- The Dodgers’ starters accumulated 35 strikeouts during the NLCS.
- Collectively, they posted a remarkable 0.63 ERA against the Brewers, allowing only two earned runs in 28.2 innings pitched.
Bullpen Considerations
The bullpen remains under discussion as the team prepares for the World Series. The lineup will likely adapt to face the Blue Jays, who feature a lineup of powerful right-handed batters.
Reliever Tanner Scott is eligible for the World Series roster following his recovery from an emergency surgery. Roberts noted that Scott is eager to return and is being monitored for his readiness.
The Dodgers look to extend their postseason success as they head into the World Series, with Snell and Yamamoto leading the charge in Games 1 and 2.
