The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers will meet in the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive season, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands as Los Angeles’ greatest strength entering the series.

Yamamoto delivered another dominant performance Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, winning a highly anticipated matchup with ace Chris Sale.

The Dodgers right-hander allowed one run on four hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk in seven innings in a 3-1 win.

Yamamoto, who earned MVP honors during the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, improved to 8-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in 63 innings over 11 career postseason appearances (10 starts).

Los Angeles is also 33-0 when Yamamoto receives at least three runs of support. 

The Brewers have experienced mixed results against him. Yamamoto is 2-1 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 13.2 innings over three career regular season starts against Milwaukee, recording 12 strikeouts and five walks.

His numbers at American Family Field have been less dominant. Yamamoto is 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 7.2 innings across two regular season starts at the ballpark, with three strikeouts and three walks.

However, he controlled Milwaukee during the 2026 regular season. Yamamoto went 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 13 innings over two starts against the Brewers, recording 12 strikeouts and three walks.

He also won his only career postseason start against Milwaukee.

Yamamoto allowed one run on three hits (one home run) with seven strikeouts and a walk in a complete game to earn a 5-1 road victory in Game 2 of the 2025 NLCS on Oct. 14.

Yamamoto remains composed regardless of the situation surrounding him. He does not allow an opposing crowd, an elite pitcher on the other side or the importance of the game to alter his approach.

His preparation gives him confidence in every pitch he throws. Yamamoto can attack hitters early, change speeds and adjust his plan when opponents begin recognizing certain patterns.

He also possesses the endurance to work deep into important games, which protects the Dodgers’ bullpen and gives Los Angeles greater control over how it manages the later innings.

Yamamoto rarely depends on one pitch to survive. His command and varied arsenal allow him to challenge different types of hitters without becoming predictable.

The Brewers have familiarity with him, particularly at American Family Field, but his recent success against Milwaukee demonstrates his ability to make adjustments.

Los Angeles enters the series with several accomplished pitchers, but Yamamoto combines dependability, composure and proven postseason execution.

He’s the Dodgers’ most important weapon against the Brewers, regardless of when he makes his first start in the series.