The Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing history this October, trying to become the first National League team to win three straight World Series titles.
Once again, they’re heavy favorites to pull it off.
It’s not hard to see why. Their lineup’s packed with former MVPs and All-Stars, and that starting rotation? Easily top three in the majors.
But manager Dave Roberts has what you’d call a good problem heading into Game 1 of the NLDS. He’s got to choose between two aces for his playoff opener.
The Dodgers could go with Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Tarik Skubal to start Game 1, but honestly? Does it really matter which ace Roberts picks?
“The Dodgers traded for Tarik Skubal, winner of the last two AL Cy Young Awards, and yet it would surprise no one if Yamamoto were their choice for Game 1 of their first playoff series. He has cemented himself as the ace of this Dodgers’ staff.”
That’s ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez breaking down what’s become a fascinating decision.
Yamamoto won last year’s World Series MVP after recording the final eight outs in Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He did it on zero days’ rest.
That’s the kind of moment that defines a pitcher.
Meanwhile, Skubal would likely be the No. 1 starter for just about every other playoff team. There’s a strong chance only Jacob Misiorowski, Critopher Sanchez, and Cam Schlittler might get the nod over him on their respective clubs. But that’s no guarantee.
What makes Yamamoto’s case even stronger is the trajectory he’s on. Gonzalez notes that while Yamamoto won’t win the Cy Young in a year where Misiorowski and Sanchez have been so dominant, many believe it’s inevitable that he’ll eventually become the first Japanese-born pitcher to win the award.
“We are watching a master craftsman at the peak of his powers.”
The Dodgers really can’t go wrong with their Yamamoto-Skubal decision. And let’s not forget – Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow round out their top four starters.
That’s the kind of depth that wins championships. Three years running, apparently.
