Starting pitching has been the biggest question for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season for various reasons, whether due to injury or just underperforming options.
Still, they were able to once again clinch the National League West title and secure their spot in the 2024 NL Division Series.
That has turned the focus onto the Dodgers postseason roster and how things will shape up. The position player side is mostly set, while some questions remain in the bullpen.
As for the rotation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced their starting four to begin their run toward the World Series, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Roberts confirmed Friday that the Dodgers’ starting rotation for the NLDS will include Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler and Landon Knack — though not necessarily in that order.
While the order has not been revealed, Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto figure to pitch in Games 1 and 2 as the top two starters on the team. From there, Walker Buehler is expected to take Game 3 while Landon Knack should round out the group in a potential Game 4.
Considering the rotation the Dodgers were projected to have before the season, and even after the MLB trade deadline, it may not be the most inspiring combination from the realm of possibilities, but they can certainly get the job done.
Flaherty has pitched at an ace-level all season, and while there has been somewhat of a regression with the Dodgers, he’s still been more than good enough to lead the rotation or start in Game 2 of the NLDS.
Yamamoto has been building his confidence and has a long track record as one of the most talented pitchers in the world. His experience in MLB is short, but he still has pitched in big games, including in Japan and during the World Baseball Classic.
The season has been a struggle for Buehler, but things have continued to trend up for him each outing. He turned in his best start against the San Diego Padres in a playoff atmosphere to clinch the Division.
He also has tons of experience pitching in the postseason, and he’s taken pride in being a starter who can be relied on in big games.
Knack is the biggest question mark of the group as a rookie, but he has had a solid season, stepping up whenever called upon. He also made a start against the Padres and used it as a learning opportunity to help him prepare for October.
Roberts has also expressed his confidence in Knack, as well as Buehler, and if both those pitchers can be effective, the Dodgers would be in a great spot.
Can Dodgers win in postseason with their rotation?
Although the Dodgers would certainly love to have any of Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Clayton Kershaw, River Ryan, Dustin May, Emmet Sheehan and Tony Gonsolin healthy, their rotation is still good enough to get through the postseason.
Their top two options of Flaherty and Yamamoto could rival nearly any pair of arms in baseball. There are also very few teams that are entirely confident in their third and fourth starters to begin with.
MLB postseason history is filled with teams relying on just a few arms to get through October, and given the Dodgers lineup and bullpen, they’re in a good spot overall.
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