Dodgers Confirm Snell, Yamamoto as Starters for World Series

UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced their starting pitchers for the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, confirming that Blake Snell will take the mound for Game 1 on October 27, 2023, followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2. This development comes as fans eagerly anticipate the championship series, set to begin this Friday.

This pitching lineup mirrors the successful strategy employed during the National League Championship Series, where Snell and Yamamoto played pivotal roles in a four-game sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers. In a standout performance on October 13, Snell recorded an impressive 10 strikeouts over eight scoreless innings, making history as the first Dodgers pitcher to complete eight innings while allowing one hit or fewer in a postseason game.

Yamamoto also shone brightly in the NLCS, delivering a three-hitter in Game 2, marking the Dodgers’ first postseason complete game since 2004. Manager Dave Roberts has noted that while the starting pitchers for Games 3 and 4 at Dodger Stadium are yet to be finalized, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani are strong candidates for those slots.

“I think we’re going to run the same rotation back, I think for sure for the first two,” Roberts stated, highlighting the confidence in his pitching strategy.

Ohtani’s recent performance, including 10 strikeouts and three home runs in Game 4, not only clinched a second consecutive World Series trip for the Dodgers but also earned him the MVP title of the series. The Dodgers’ pitching staff collectively recorded an impressive 35 strikeouts during the NLCS, showcasing their dominance on the mound.

Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Ohtani combined for a staggering 0.63 ERA against the Brewers, allowing only two earned runs in 28 2/3 innings. As the Dodgers gear up for the World Series, the bullpen lineup is still under discussion, particularly considering the power hitters in the Blue Jays’ lineup.

“There’s one spot that we could potentially kind of debate, and will continue to debate,” Roberts commented, indicating a strategic evaluation to optimize performance against the Blue Jays.

In roster news, Tanner Scott is eligible for the World Series after recovering from an emergency surgical procedure. Roberts expressed optimism about Scott’s readiness, stating, “I know that he’s anxious, which is a good thing, but fortunately, we get to see for a couple more days how he responds to throwing and bullpens.”

As the countdown to Game 1 begins, the Dodgers are poised to make a significant impact in the World Series. Fans are urged to stay tuned for more updates as this exciting championship unfolds.