Dodgers make roster change for NLDS against Padres, Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start series Jack Flaherty to follow

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their pitching plans for the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. In a recent post on X/Twitter, the organization shared that Japanese rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the first game of the NLDS, with Jack Flaherty pitching the second.

The team’s President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, announced this change in the rotation as part of a plan to maximize the team’s performance and to get them ready for a possible Game 5.

Originally, the Dodgers had planned to start Flaherty during Game 1. By changing the order, Flaherty, who is reportedly more used to shorter breaks, could potentially pitch on five days’ rest, while Yamamoto, still new to the MLB, would have a longer break. The move ensures both pitchers could be available for a decisive Game 5 if needed.

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Both Yamamoto and Flaherty posted strong numbers for Dodgers in 2024

Yoshinobu Yamamoto posted an impressive 7-2 record with a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings during the regular season. Despite missing almost three months due to an injury to his right triceps, his comeback has bolstered the Dodgers’ rotation coming into the postseason. Flaherty, acquired at the trade deadline, has made 10 starts for the Dodgers, recording a 3.58 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 55.1 innings pitched.

Despite facing a long injury, Yoshinobu Yamamoto recorded a 7-2 record with 105 strikeouts in just 90 innings of play in 2024 (Image Source: IMAGN)

Yamamoto will face Padres ace Dylan Cease in Game 1 of the NLDS. Cease, who started 25 games for San Diego during the regular season, had a 14-11 record, recording a 3.47 ERA.

On the other hand, Flaherty will face off against Yu Darvish (7-3, 3.31 ERA) in Game 2. The Dodgers, coming off a 98-64 regular season, are looking to avenge their recent postseason struggles with a fresh approach.

The best-of-five National League Division Series kicks off at Dodger Stadium on Saturday at 8:38 pm ET, with the star-studded club looking to continue their dominant 2024 season.