With Skubal and Snell leading off Games 1 and 2, it is expected that Dodger fans will see Yoshinobu Yamamoto up on the bump for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.
Yamamoto is Dodgers’ not-so-secret weapon
Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP, is the first starting right-handed pitcher the Braves will have seen. In large part due to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ pitching schemes against Atlanta, utilizing Skubal and Snell against the Braves’ .240 batting average against lefties.
Considered to be one of the best pitchers in baseball, Yamamoto goes into Game 3 after a dominant 2026 season with the Dodgers. The All-Star recorded a 14-9 record, boasting a 2.53 ERA that ranked third in the National League in addition to notching 182 strikeouts.
So far in his career, Yamamoto has appeared in 10 postseason games and carries a 7-1 record going into Game 3. The Dodgers’ ace also carries with him a career 2.25 ERA in the postseason with 48 strikeouts to boot.
Yamamoto comes into Truist Park with a 1.77 ERA while on the road in the regular season, the best on the Dodgers starting squad. He holds a 1-1 record in addition to a 0.55 ERA spanning three appearances against Atlanta in his career. Despite his 10 playoff appearances, the right-hander has never played the Braves in the postseason.
With Yamamoto getting the nod for Game 3, this will position him to potentially start Game 2 of the National League Championship Series or Game 6 if the series extends.
While Yamamoto faces a test on the mound, the Dodgers’ star pitcher is ready to show off his postseason arm against Atlanta’s hometown team.
The Dodgers face the Braves in Atlanta Tuesday night, with the first pitch slated for 3 p.m.
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