The Los Angeles Dodgers will start two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in Game 1 of their NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. The move prioritizes the Skubal NLDS Game 1 starter decision over Yoshinobu Yamamoto, despite Yamamoto’s postseason success in the previous title run.
Skubal, acquired from the Detroit Tigers in early August, will take the mound Saturday at Dodger Stadium in the first of what could be a three-peat bid for the defending World Series champions. The Braves advanced through three Wild Card games to face Los Angeles after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies.
Tarik Skubal’s 2026 credentials
In 2026, Skubal posted a 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts and a 12-7 record over 26 starts, covering 158.2 innings with a 0.96 WHIP. His numbers over three years establish him as one of baseball’s most consistent aces, a pedigree that likely factored into the Dodgers’ decision to hand him the high-leverage assignment.
Yamamoto, meanwhile, finished 14-9 with a 2.53 ERA, 182 strikeouts and a 0.87 WHIP across 185 innings for Los Angeles. While he edges Skubal in several statistical categories, the Dodgers clearly prioritized the proven postseason performer available immediately after the August trade.
Yamamoto’s role in the rotation
The decision does not sideline Yamamoto. Both pitchers will receive at least one start in the NLDS, with opportunities for second starts if the series extends to Games 4 or 5. This allows the Dodgers to lean on their two strongest arms while keeping postseason depth intact alongside Tyler Glasnow and potentially Blake Snell.
Yamamoto’s postseason credentials from the previous season cannot be ignored. He was instrumental in Los Angeles’ previous title run, when his clutch performances defined key moments. The Dodgers are banking on his ability to impact the series despite not getting the Game 1 call.
What’s next
Game 1 takes place Saturday at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers seek another deep playoff run after securing a first-round bye as a division winner.
Reporting from Sporting News and USA Today contributed to this story.
