The Dodgers' NLCS: Unchanged Rotation Strategy for Brewers Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers' starting pitching has been a driving force in their postseason success, and their rotation is poised to continue its dominance against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. With a rare off day between Games 1 and 2, the Dodgers had the opportunity to manage their starting pitchers effectively.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of the four-starter lineup, stating, 'I think four is all we need.' This strategy allows the team to avoid bullpen games, even if the NLCS extends into a long series. Blake Snell, for instance, can pitch Game 1 with six days of rest and potentially Game 5 five days later.
However, the team's preference is to have Shohei Ohtani make a pitching start before an off day, which suggests he might not pitch until Game 2 at American Family Field. This order could delay Yoshinobu Yamamoto's start until Game 3, impacting his availability if the series goes the distance. Yamamoto's rest schedule has been a topic of discussion, as he typically requires at least five days of rest between starts and has never pitched on four days of rest in 2024.
Despite the potential challenges, the Dodgers' rotation strategy remains unchanged, with Roberts confident in their ability to manage the series without expanding the rotation to include a fifth starter. The team's focus is on maintaining a strong starting lineup and avoiding bullpen games, ensuring they stay on top of their game throughout the NLCS.
