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6d ago

Dodgers Start Tarik Skubal in NLDS Game 1

Los Angeles chose a left-hander to exploit the Braves’ weaker numbers versus lefties and to better control which pitchers will be available later in the series.

Dodgers Reportedly Make Decision On Starting Pitcher For NLDS Game 1
Image
Sep 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Dodgers announced Friday that Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.
  • Skubal was acquired from the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 2 and went 5–2 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 starts for Los Angeles after posting a 2.79 ERA in 16 starts for Detroit this season.
  • Los Angeles’ reported postseason rotation pairs Skubal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, giving the club multiple experienced options to use across short series innings.
  • Reports say the choice was driven by matchup math — the Braves have been stronger against right-handed pitching — and by a desire to keep Yamamoto available for a potential short-rest relief role later in the series.
  • The move underscores how the August trade for Skubal reshaped the Dodgers’ October plans and could boost his postseason résumé and future market value.