The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced their starting rotation for the upcoming National League Division Series, with veteran pitcher Jack Flaherty taking the mound for Game 1 and rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to start Game 2.
According to General Manager Brandon Gomes, the team has not yet finalized its plans for Games 3 and 4, but Walker Buehler and rookie Landon Knack are expected to play key roles.
The Dodgers will face the winner of the NL Wild Card Series between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, with the best-of-five NLDS set to begin on Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
Manager Dave Roberts had previously hinted at the possibility of Shohei Ohtani making an appearance on the mound later in the playoffs, but Gomes confirmed that Ohtani will continue to focus on his rehabilitation from elbow surgery and will not pitch in the postseason.
Instead, the Dodgers will rely on Ohtani’s powerful bat to help drive their offense, as he did during his record-setting first season with the team.
Flaherty, who joined the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, has posted a 3.58 ERA in 55 1/3 innings over 10 starts. Yamamoto, meanwhile, has made just four starts since returning from an arm injury, but has shown impressive form in his native Japan, including leading the Orix Buffaloes to victory in the 2022 Japan Series.
Gomes expressed confidence in Yamamoto’s ability to handle the pressure of the postseason, citing his big-game experience in Japan. “I don’t think Yama’s going to be fazed by the big moment,” Gomes said. “If anything, I think he’s going to thrive on it.”
The Dodgers finished the regular season with the best record in baseball, earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite their recent struggles in the postseason, Roberts believes his team is better prepared this year, citing a newfound hunger and edge in the clubhouse.
The extra time off has also given the team a chance to rest and heal, with several players nursing injuries. All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman and shortstop Miguel Rojas are both making progress, with Freeman expected to start in Game 1 despite a lingering ankle injury.
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