Dave Roberts Names Dodgers’ World Series Starting Pitchers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making a bold yet calculated move in their quest for a World Series title. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that ace left-hander Blake Snell will start Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound in Game 2. This approach mirrors the rotation pattern that’s worked for Los Angeles in recent postseasons, putting two of baseball’s most dominant arms front and center for the franchise’s biggest series of the year.

Snell to Lead the Charge in Game 1

Snell’s postseason form makes him the obvious choice to set the tone in Toronto. In the NLCS opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, Snell delivered eight shutout innings and kept Milwaukee’s hitters guessing all night.

His command, velocity, and ability to generate strikeouts have been nothing short of elite throughout October. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else leading off this series.

Dominant October Numbers

Across three playoff starts this year, Snell has posted a remarkable 0.86 ERA over 21 innings. He’s allowed just six hits, struck out 28, and walked only five batters.

This kind of efficiency and dominance has been critical for a Dodgers team relying heavily on its starters thanks to a shaky bullpen. With Snell front-lining the rotation, Los Angeles keeps relievers fresh and out of high-leverage situations early in games.

Yamamoto’s Follow-Up in Game 2

Just as Snell locked down Game 1 of the NLCS, Yoshinobu Yamamoto stepped up in Game 2. He didn’t just follow suit—he finished what he started.

His complete-game gem against the Brewers allowed just one run. Yamamoto showed off the blend of control, poise, and endurance that’s made him one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball this season.

The Rotation’s Backbone

Snell and Yamamoto head a rotation that also features Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow. The quartet pitches deep into games, which minimizes bullpen use and gives the Dodgers a real edge when starting depth matters most.

This stability has been one of Los Angeles’ biggest advantages in the 2024 postseason. You can feel the confidence when these guys take the mound.

Snell’s Journey to Los Angeles

Snell joined the Dodgers in the offseason on a five-year, $182 million contract. The move fulfilled his dream of playing alongside MVP-caliber talents like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani.

His arrival signaled the organization’s willingness to double down on elite pitching talent as part of their championship blueprint. It’s a big bet, but it’s paid off so far.

Eyes on the Championship

Since signing, Snell has often talked about how excited he is to contribute to such a storied franchise. He thrives on big-game moments and understands the pressure that comes with leading a rotation in October.

Now, starting Game 1 of the World Series on the road in Toronto, Snell has the chance to put Los Angeles in the driver’s seat from the jump. That’s the kind of opportunity you dream about as a pitcher.

Key Factors for Game 1

The Dodgers’ success in the opening game will hinge on several important factors:

• Snell’s command – Avoiding walks and working ahead in the count will be critical against Toronto’s power-heavy lineup.
• Offensive support – The Dodgers’ bats need to give Snell a cushion, especially early on.
• Defense – Clean fielding behind Snell can keep innings short and avoid unnecessary stress pitches.
• Momentum – Winning Game 1 on the road could tilt the series in Los Angeles’ favor right from the start.

Final Thoughts

Dave Roberts decided to stick with the formula: Snell first, then Yamamoto. Honestly, it’s not surprising at all, considering how things have gone so far.

With two aces lined up against the Blue Jays, the Dodgers are making it clear—they want to take charge from the very start. For Blake Snell, this is a big moment. He’s chasing his own legacy while trying to help Los Angeles get closer to another World Series title.

All eyes shift to Toronto as Snell gets the ball. If his postseason so far means anything, the Blue Jays are in for a serious challenge in Game 1.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Announces Starting Pitching News Ahead of World Series