UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have just announced that lefty Blake Snell will take the mound for Game 1 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, October 16, 2023. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto will follow in Game 2, while superstar Shohei Ohtani will only make one start during the series.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the team’s strategy, stating, “He’ll pitch at some point, but we just don’t know which day.” This decision marks a shift in approach as the Dodgers prioritize maintaining optimal rest for their pitching staff in this critical postseason matchup.
Ohtani has struggled recently, batting just .148 this month and posting a 4.50 ERA across six postseason innings. When questioned about the reasoning behind the pitching plan for Ohtani, Roberts clarified, “No, not at all… It’s just one game and then you have two other guys that potentially can pitch on regular rest.”
The Brewers are preparing to deploy an opener strategy for Game 1, with manager Pat Murphy stating they will look for a pitcher capable of delivering significant innings. Possible options include Jose Quintana or Quinn Priester, while Freddy Peralta is slated to start Game 2.
As the postseason intensifies, both teams face critical decisions in their roster management. The Dodgers are considering carrying only two catchers due to Will Smith‘s hand injury not being a significant concern. Roberts mentioned, “I have a couple of conversations to have shortly,” hinting at ongoing discussions about their final roster.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans are eagerly awaiting the first pitch as the Dodgers and Brewers clash in this high-stakes best-of-seven series. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling matchup unfolds!