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MLB

Dodgers choose Tarik Skubal over Yamamoto for NLDS opener

Dave Roberts gives Tarik Skubal the Game 1 assignment against Atlanta, confirming Los Angeles’ first starter after the postseason bye.

By TSP Staff
Tarik Skubal raises his right leg while pitching in a white Dodgers uniform.
Tarik Skubal pitches for Los Angeles in the photograph accompanying MLB.com’s Game 1 starter announcement. Capture date is not supplied in the report. · Credit: MLB.com

Tarik Skubal will start the Dodgers’ National League Division Series opener against Atlanta on Saturday after Dave Roberts confirmed the assignment Friday.

Los Angeles chose the left-hander over Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Game 1. Roberts cited the opportunity to use Skubal again on regular rest during the series as part of the rotation decision.

Skubal joined the Dodgers at the trade deadline. MLB.com reported that he had a 2.61 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 62 innings across 10 regular-season starts for Los Angeles.

The assignment will be Skubal’s first home postseason start. His six previous playoff starts with Detroit came on the road.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, 2 p.m. MDT, on FOX in the United States. Read TSP’s Braves–Dodgers series guide for the complete schedule and Atlanta’s pitching context.

Sources and notes

  1. Reporting checked October 3, 2026. Roster and starter decisions: https://www.mlb.com/news/tarik-skubal-to-start-game-1-of-2026-nlds
  2. Scheduled start times: https://www.mlb.com/schedule/2026-10-03
  3. Roster eligibility and announced assignments are distinguished from possible later returns or starts.