The Los Angeles Dodgers are officially rolling with Tarik Skubal on the mound for Game 1 of the National League Division Series, kicking off their quest for a three-peat this October. This ain’t just some random decision, either. The Dodgers are putting their faith in a certified ace for what’s gonna be a high-stakes showdown.
Dodgers Go Big for NLDS Game 1
The Dodgers didn’t snag the top spot in the NL, but that first-round bye sure did them good. Now, with the Atlanta Braves fresh off beating the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game Wild Card series, they’re heading West to face LA. While the Braves are still playing coy with their Game 1 starter, the Dodgers ain’t hiding nothing. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya dropped the news: it’s Tarik Skubal, their big mid-season trade deadline pickup, getting the ball. This isn’t just any arm, folks. We’re talking about a two-time Cy Young winner here. Skubal, nabbed from the Detroit Tigers back in early August, has been lights out, easily one of baseball’s best over the last three seasons. So yeah, the Dodgers are going all in with their Game 1 pick.
The Numbers Tell the Story: Why Skubal Got the Nod
But here’s the kicker: it wasn’t a slam dunk. You gotta figure Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a serious contender for that Game 1 nod. I mean, Yamamoto was straight-up clutch in last year’s postseason, and Skubal just got to town at the 2026 trade deadline. Yet, the Dodgers are rolling with the two-time Cy Young ace. Why? Look at the numbers. Skubal put up a 2.72 ERA, 186 strikeouts, and a 12-7 record in 26 starts, with a crazy 0.96 WHIP across 158.2 innings pitched this season. Yamamoto? Not far behind with a 2.53 ERA, 182 Ks, a 14-9 record, and a 0.87 WHIP over 185 innings, all for the Dodgers in 2026. It’s a tight race between two absolute studs, but the Dodgers clearly see something special in Skubal for that opening act.
This sets up the rotation pretty sweet for LA. Both Skubal and Yamamoto are guaranteed at least one start in this NLDS. And if this thing goes deep, like Game 4 or 5 deep, then both of these guys are lined up to make a second start before we even get to the NLCS. So, for Dodgers fans, get ready. Their 2026 postseason ride kicks off at home against the Braves this weekend, with their big trade deadline acquisition, Tarik Skubal, on the hill.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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