Tarik Skubal Will Start Game 1 for Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers will hand the ball to Tarik Skubal for Saturday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Baseball
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The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series this Saturday at 1 p.m. Skubal, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers, will take the mound against the Atlanta Braves.
Why it matters
The decision to start Skubal follows his strong performance with the Dodgers, where he recorded a 2.61 ERA over 10 starts. His selection reflects the team's internal rotation strategy as they begin their postseason run.
Skubal posted a 2.61 ERA across 10 appearances for the Dodgers after being acquired for three prospects. He most recently pitched seven innings against the San Francisco Giants, allowing only three hits.
The players
Tarik Skubal
He is a starting pitcher acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers.
Los Angeles Dodgers
They are a professional baseball team competing in the National League Division Series.
Atlanta Braves
They are a professional baseball team facing the Dodgers in the upcoming playoff series.
Blake Snell
He is a pitcher for the Dodgers who is slated to start Game 2 of the division series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
He is a Dodgers pitcher who participated in team workouts and is expected to start Game 3.
The details
The Dodgers finalized their rotation plans following team workouts earlier this week, which included sessions for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Blake Snell is also expected to feature in the rotation as the series against the Braves progresses.
Timeline
Wednesday: Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched to batters during a workout.
Friday: The Dodgers announced Skubal as the Game 1 starter.
Saturday: Game 1 of the NLDS begins at 1 p.m.
Sunday: Blake Snell is expected to start Game 2.
Tuesday: Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to start Game 3.
Season Trajectory
Naming a Game 1 starter sets the tone for the Dodgers' postseason rotation and dictates the availability of their bullpen for the series. This selection aligns with the team's pursuit of a deep playoff run within the 2026 National League Division Series structure.
Skubal’s Game 1 start shifts the projected pitching order for the remainder of the series against the Braves. Fans should note that Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are currently aligned to start the subsequent two games on Sunday and Tuesday.
The takeaway
The Dodgers have clearly prioritized their rotation depth by utilizing acquired talent for the opening game of the playoffs. Managing these starters effectively will be critical to their success against the Braves in the series.
Further reading
For more on the team's postseason outlook, check out the Los Angeles Baseball section.
Live Poll
Do you support the Dodgers choosing Skubal as their Game 1 starting pitcher?
