Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has ruled out using Tarik Skubal or Yoshinobu Yamamoto in relief for Thursday’s must-win Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, Roberts was asked whether either starter could be available out of the bullpen with the Dodgers facing elimination. His answer was no, leaving Los Angeles to pursue a comeback without either pitcher as a relief option.
The decision comes after Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 6-2 in Game 3 on Wednesday, pushing the Dodgers into a 3-0 series deficit. The Brewers are now one win away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1982.
Skubal started Game 1 of the series and allowed two runs over five innings, recording seven strikeouts and two walks. The Dodgers lost that game 2-1, putting the pressure on their rotation early in the series.
Yamamoto started Game 2 but struggled to work deep into the contest. He allowed three runs on four hits and two walks over 2 2/3 innings as Milwaukee secured a 7-4 victory. The right-hander had been named the 2025 World Series MVP after helping Los Angeles win the championship.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Dodgers entered the postseason after finishing the regular season 100-62, while Milwaukee went 103-59 to earn the National League’s top seed. The Brewers have carried that form into the NLCS, winning the first three games and limiting Los Angeles’ margin for error.
Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start Game 4 for the Dodgers. He pitched 4 2/3 innings of one-run baseball in the NLDS-clinching win over the Atlanta Braves, although he issued five walks in that appearance.
The Dodgers must win four consecutive games to advance, beginning Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Only the 2004 Boston Red Sox have overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven MLB postseason series.
Roberts’ decision means Los Angeles will need Glasnow and its available bullpen arms to handle the elimination game. Milwaukee, meanwhile, can clinch the NLCS and secure its first World Series berth since 1982 with another victory.
