Dodgers coach Robles explains why Scuba was the starter in Game 1 of the National League Division Series

Yamamoto Yunobu. (File photo)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] The Dodgers will send two-time Cy Young left-hander Tarik Skubal as the starting pitcher in G1 of the National League Division Series instead of Japanese ace Yunobu Yamamoto as expected. Head coach Dave Roberts also explained the reason.

Robles revealed at today's pre-game press conference that after Scooper retired from the last start of the regular season against the Giants, he personally told Scooper in the dugout that he would be the starter in G1 of the divisional round. "I'm very happy to be able to tell him this news. After all, I can't always bring good news."

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Robles said that it is very important that Scooper pitches in G1 and can come on the plate according to the normal starting intervals. "From the perspective of not just this series but the subsequent games, letting him start in G1 is the most reasonable choice. As we said before, we have 4 starting pitchers. No matter who is on the plate in which game, there is not much difference. In this way, we are very confident in handing the ball to Tarik tomorrow."

Judging from the performance of the regular season, the one who was originally most optimistic about starting G1 in the divisional round was Yamamoto Yunobu. Robles also said frankly: "Normally, it is a very natural option for Yamamoto to start in G1. Scooper also understands this matter very well. He has high respect for Yamamoto and accepts this arrangement."

Since Yamamoto has already played in the team game on September 30, he is expected to start in G3 after 5 days of rest. As for G2, he may be handed over to Blake Snell and G4 to Tyler Glasnow. Robles said that he is lucky to have these four starting pitchers, and he can choose how to arrange these four people to achieve the greatest effect.