Dodgers’ NLDS Game 1 Lineup and Strategy

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1 at Dodger Stadium. The game aired on Fox and radio stations 570 AM and 1020 AM.

Pitching Assignments

Tarik Skubal was designated to start Game 1 for the Dodgers. His performance against the Milwaukee Brewers in August was notable. To complement Skubal, Blake Snell was chosen for Game 2, marking an impactful choice as both are left-handed pitchers. The decision positioned right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start Game 3.

Blake Snell was quoted emphasizing the importance of October, saying, “If you want to be a Hall of Famer, if you want to be a legend in the game, it all happens in October.”

Broadcasting and Schedule

The series schedule included Game 1 at 1 p.m. PDT, broadcast on Fox. The remaining games were planned as follows:

• Game 2: Sunday, 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium | FS1, Fox One, Fox Deportes
• Game 3: Tuesday, 3 p.m. at Truist Park | FS1, Fox One, Fox Deportes
• Game 4*: Wednesday, 3 p.m. at Truist Park | FS1, Fox One, Fox Deportes
• Game 5*: Friday, 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium | Fox, Fox One, Fox Deportes

*If necessary

Dodgers’ Roster Adjustments

Rookie Josue De Paula, fresh from a Triple-A victory, made the NLDS roster as a bench hitter. He felt confident in his adaptability, stating, “I feel like it’s just my gift.”

The Dodgers decided on a roster with 14 position players and 12 pitchers. Notable exclusions were left-handers Justin Wrobleski and Jack Dreyer. President Andrew Friedman reflected on tough roster decisions and acknowledged the depth of their pitching staff.

Game Strategy

Manager Dave Roberts noted the reliance on left-handed starting pitchers in the first two games, with left-handers Skubal and Snell set for Games 1 and 2.

Role of Utilities

Player Hyeseong Kim, known for his versatility, joined the roster as a pinch runner and potential defensive substitute. His speed offered strategic depth, critical in situations where scoring could hinge on late-game maneuvers.

Dodgers’ Starting Lineup

• SS Mookie Betts
• DH Shohei Ohtani
• C Will Smith
• 1B Freddie Freeman
• LF Teoscar Hernández
• RF Kyle Tucker
• CF Andy Pages
• 3B Max Muncy
• 2B Tommy Edman

Commentary on Team Performance

The Dodgers amassed 100 wins despite injuries, demonstrating resilience. Commentary suggested they must break the habit of winning over 100 games without a World Series title, a feat they have not yet achieved.