"Right now we're planning on Jack in (Game) 1 and Yamamoto in (Game) 2," general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday. "Obviously, Buehler and Knack will play big parts in things, but haven't really focused much time outside of Games 1 and 2." This indicates the Dodgers' strategic focus on their opening playoff games. The decisions underscore the balancing act of utilizing their top pitchers effectively within a tight playoff schedule.
Flaherty went 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 10 starts after being traded to his hometown Dodgers at the deadline. The right-hander faced hitters on Monday, which has him in line to start Game 1 on normal rest. If necessary, Flaherty could start a potential Game 4 of the NLDS on short rest (three days) or be held back for a possible Game 5 on an extra day between outings.
Yamamoto stretched out to five innings in his final start of the regular season, which was his fourth overall outing since returning from a right rotator cuff strain. Yamamoto went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 18 starts in his first Major League season. The 26-year-old theoretically would be an option for the Dodgers if they play to a Game 5 of the NLDS, as that start would come on an extra day.
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