Dodgers Will Start Tarik Skubal in NLDS Game 1
The Los Angeles Dodgers will deploy Tarik Skubal for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves this Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Baseball
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially named Tarik Skubal as their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The series opener against the Atlanta Braves is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
Why it matters
Choosing Skubal for the first game sets the tone for the Dodgers' rotation strategy as they look to advance through the postseason. The decision follows his strong performance since joining the team.
Tarik Skubal posted a 2.61 ERA across 10 starts following his arrival in Los Angeles. In his most recent outing against the San Francisco Giants, he threw 75 pitches over 7 innings while allowing only 3 hits.
The players
Tarik Skubal
He is the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers.
Los Angeles Dodgers
This Major League Baseball franchise is competing in the National League Division Series.
Atlanta Braves
This Major League Baseball organization is the opponent for the Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
He is a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is slated to start in the NLDS.
Blake Snell
He is a professional baseball pitcher who is expected to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
The details
The Dodgers finalized their rotation plans following internal deliberation throughout the week. The team bolstered its pitching staff earlier by trading three prospects to the Detroit Tigers to acquire Skubal.
Timeline
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched during a workout on Wednesday.
The Dodgers announced Skubal as the starter on Friday.
Game 1 of the NLDS begins at 1 p.m. this Saturday.
Blake Snell is projected to start Game 2 on Sunday.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is projected to start Game 3 next Tuesday.
Season Trajectory
The Dodgers' rotation configuration dictates their approach to the best-of-five series against Atlanta. Securing a win in Game 1 is critical for maintaining momentum and potential home-field advantages through the postseason.
With Skubal starting Game 1, fantasy managers and bettors should note his efficiency metrics after he allowed only 3 hits in his last outing. The rotation order also confirms that Snell and Yamamoto will anchor the following two games.
The takeaway
Effective rotation management is the cornerstone of a successful deep run in the postseason. Fans should monitor the pitch counts of these starters, as early-series longevity often dictates bullpen availability for later games.
What happens next
The National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves is scheduled to begin this Saturday, with subsequent games slated for Sunday and Tuesday.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming series, visit the Baseball section.
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