Dodgers turn to Tarik Skubal for NLCS Game 1 opener vs Brewers; Yoshinobu Yamamoto set for Game 2

The Los Angeles Dodgers have selected Tarik Skubal as their starting pitcher for the first game of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, previously started Game 1 of the NL Division Series for the Dodgers. In that matchup, he pitched six innings of dominant baseball, allowing one run and two hits while striking out seven and walking two.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who won the World Series MVP award last year, will take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 2 on Monday at American Family Field. In his previous playoff start, Yamamoto threw seven innings, allowing one run and four hits, and striking out 10 against the Atlanta Braves.

Manager Dave Roberts hinted that the Dodgers were considering adding a pitcher for the best-of-seven NLCS, which would necessitate trading away a position player. The Dodgers' roster must be finalized by Sunday morning. Miguel Rojas, who exited Game 3 against the Braves with lower back pain, underwent imaging that revealed prior back issues. Rojas, 37, has expressed his intention to retire at the end of the season, though his immediate future remains uncertain.