Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s dominant performances and World Series MVP pedigree solidify his status as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ most reliable weapon for a high-stakes postseason opening assignment.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to strengthen his case to start Game 1 of the postseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The right-handed ace delivered another outstanding performance on Tuesday, pitching seven scoreless innings, surrendering just a hit with seven strikeouts and two walks as Los Angeles shut out the Cincinnati Reds 4-0.
Yamamoto earned his 14th victory of the season, generated 16 swings and misses and retired 21 of the final 22 batters he faced.
Yamamoto’s reliability
Blake Snell and Tarik Skubal also represent intriguing Game 1 options, but Yamamoto has separated himself through his consistency and ability to handle a significant workload.
The right-hander has been one of MLB’s most dependable starters throughout the season while demonstrating elite durability. He has completed seven innings in 12 different games.
Yamamoto is 14-8 with a 2.51 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 179 innings across 27 starts. He is 5-2 with a 1.98 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 68.1 innings over his last 10 starts.
His performance during last year’s postseason provides another compelling reason for the Dodgers to trust him as their No. 1 starter.
Yamamoto went 5-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 37.1 innings over six appearances (five starts) in the 2025 postseason.
He was named World Series MVP after going 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 17.2 innings across three appearances (two starts) against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has also praised the qualities that have made Yamamoto such an important weapon for the rotation.
After Tuesday’s start, Roberts told SportsNet LA that Yamamoto can reset during an outing and execute an important pitch when the Dodgers need a double play, strikeout or pop-up.
Roberts believes that ability separates Yamamoto from other pitchers. Even when his command or mechanics are not completely synchronized, he can pause, regain his composure and find a way through the inning without allowing the problem to escalate.
“The thing I’ve learned about Yoshinobu is he’s able to reset on the fly; he’s able to bear down and make pitches when he needs to get a double play, a strikeout, a pop-up,” Roberts explained.
“Those are separators when you’re not totally locked in or in sync. You can still take a deep breath, reset and navigate an inning. And keep going.”
What sets Yamamoto apart
That capacity to adjust is particularly important for a Game 1 starter. Postseason opponents prepare extensively, recognize tendencies and force pitchers to find alternative solutions when their original plan is ineffective.
Yamamoto possesses the pitch variety and intelligence to make those changes during a game. He can alter speeds, movement and location while attacking hitters through different sequences.
His composure also prevents difficult moments from becoming damaging innings. Yamamoto does not need every part of his arsenal working perfectly because he trusts his preparation and understands how to compete without his best command.
Durability has added another dimension to his value. By consistently working deep into games, he protects the bullpen and gives the Dodgers greater flexibility throughout a postseason series.
Snell and Skubal’s experience and ability make them legitimate candidates, but Yamamoto has combined reliability, adaptability and postseason success. This makes him the strongest option to take the ball when the Dodgers begin their pursuit of another World Series.
