Jack Flaherty’s track record vs. Yankees: What to expect in Dodgers pitcher's World Series Game 1 start

Growing up in the LA suburb of Burbank, Jack Flaherty likely never envisioned he would one day play in the World Series for the Dodgers. On Friday, Flaherty will become the first LA-native to start a World Series game for LA in 58 years.

A former Cy Young contender, Flaherty has been his club's go-to starter this season, as well as this postseason. Today, we will be unpacking the 29-year-old's performance against the Bronx Bombers.

"Jack Flaherty takes the ball for Game 1 of the #WorldSeries" - Los Angeles Dodgers

Although Flaherty has spent the majority of his career pitching in the NL for the Cardinals, the left-hander spent parts of the 2023 season on the Baltimore Orioles before passing the earlier stages of the 2024 season with the Tigers.

However, Jack Flaherty's experience against the New York Yankees is very limited, and includes a single start, made for St. Louis in 2023. In his only career start against the Yankees, Flaherty pitched six scoreless innings, striking out four and walking two. He was credited with the win on July 1, 2023.

"Jack Flaherty, Fastball & Slider Overlay." - Rob Friedman

Due to his limited experience against the Yankees, Flaherty has also seen little of players like Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres and other career-long members of New York. However, against newer arrivals like Juan Soto, Flaherty has more to draw from.

Jack Flaherty has faced Juan Soto thirteen times between the Dominican's time with the Padres and Washington Nationals. In those thirteen at-bats, Soto has just one hit, and two strikeouts. However, the three-time MLB walks leader has gained a base on balls five times against Flaherty.

Jack Flaherty is ready for the biggest start of his career

In addition to capping off a tremendous pitching season, Flaherty's nod for Game 1 gives him the chance to play in front of family and friends. As the former Cy Young finalist told MLB.com:

“It’ll be fun. It’ll be exciting, I’m looking forward to Friday. There’s no bigger stage than this. It’s what we all wanted as kids, the position we want to be in. I have no words for it. I’m just looking forward to Friday.”

Although Flaherty's splits against the Yankees leave much to be determined, the southpaw has pitched among the best this season. Whether that will be enough to best Gerrit Cole and company will be uncovered on Friday night.