Why Yoshinobu Yamamoto wont pitch until Game 3 in Dodgers playoffs

Surprised by how the Dodgers have lined up their starting rotation for the National League Division Series?So was Tarik Skubal.At the end of his final start of the regular season last week, Skubal was informed by manager Dave Roberts that he would be the club’s Game 1 starter in the playoffs.Skubal, obviously, was excited and honored.But also, as Roberts noted, Skubal “was very respectful of Yoshinobu” Yamamoto –– evidently not exactly anticipating getting the nod ahead of the reigning World Series MVP and October hero from the Dodgers’ postseason run a season ago.“We have thoughts on why we do things,” Roberts assured him, as he recounted ahead of the team’s World Series three-peat pursuit on Friday. “All those guys,” Roberts added of his rotation, “are all in for whatever we decide.”This week, the Dodgers’ decision to bypass Yamamoto in not only Game 1 against the Braves but Game 2 as well –– Blake Snell will start in that game on Sunday night instead –– ultimately came down to scheduling.For starters, Yamamoto made his last regular-season start two Wednesdays ago, then threw extensively in a simulated game during the Dodgers’ bye week this past Wednesday.By saving him for Game 3, which will be on Tuesday in Atlanta, he will remain on his usual pitching schedule –– as will Skubal (who last started two Fridays ago) and Snell (who was right behind Skubal in the rotation order at the end of the regular season).While that means Yamamoto won’t be available for a second start in the NLDS, he could still be an option if the series reaches a decisive fifth game.

Skubal and Snell would be available for that potential occasion too. In other words, the Dodgers knew that trio would pitch in Games 1-3, and would all be available for Game 5 –– and felt pretty comfortable with whichever order they lined them up.“They’re all going to pitch this series,” Roberts said, including Game 4 starter Tyler Glasnow as well.“You ca...