Dodgers rotation plans for the 2026 World Series against the Yankees
Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto lead the Dodgers rotation against the Yankees, leaving Dave Roberts to decide between Walker Buehler and a bullpen game for middle starts. The decision follows Buehler's inconsistent 4.63 ERA and the need to manage limited starter length.
Rotation plans for the Yankees series
The Dodgers designate Jack Flaherty as the Game 1 starter for the World Series against the Yankees. Dave Roberts confirmed Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 2. The Dodgers face a decision between starting Walker Buehler or utilizing a bullpen game for Games 3 and 4 after the coaching staff observes how the first two games of the series conclude. This strategy mimics the NLCS approach where the team utilized the off-day to give Yamamoto extra rest. The rotation requires careful management because only three starters can cover a seven-game series. You already know the Dodgers prefer mathematical probability over momentum. Flaherty arrived in Los Angeles after the Yankees passed on a deal due to concerns regarding his back issues. Yamamoto enters the series after a postseason where he reached a 1.77 ERA on the road. Flaherty previously recorded seven scoreless innings against the Mets and five and one-third innings with four runs against the Padres. The club must decide if Flaherty can provide length after his three-inning, eight-run struggle in the NLCS. Will the coaching staff trust Buehler’s veteran presence or the bullpen’s depth for the middle games of the series?
Walker Buehler remains an inconsistent option
Walker Buehler remains an inconsistent option for the October rotation. He maintains a 4.63 ERA over 32 starts this season and a 9-6 record. His most recent appearance on September 26 against Arizona saw him allow 3 earned runs in 3.2 innings. Earlier that month, he allowed 7 runs in 2.1 innings against Washington. His return from hip inflammation against the Brewers proved difficult as he allowed 4 runs in 3.1 innings. He issued 4 walks during that Milwaukee appearance and threw 41 balls on 86 total pitches. His season total includes 153.2 innings pitched and 131 strikeouts.
| Stat Category | 2026 Value |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.63 |
| IP | 153.2 |
| WHIP | 1.35 |
| K/9 | 7.67 |
| BB/9 | 3.34 |
| Hits Allowed | 150 |
| Earned Runs | 79 |
Buehler’s career includes a 3.02 ERA in 115 appearances, but his recent form remains erratic. In 2021, he recorded a 2.47 ERA and a .97 WHIP. This year, his ERA fluctuated from 1.50 on August 11 to 20.25 on July 1. He surrendered 18.00 runs in 2.0 innings against Toronto during the month of July. The club must decide if his velocity, which reached 97 mph in recent bullpen sessions, justifies a start in the World Series. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2022. His control has varied, with a 1.50 ERA during a win against Minnesota on August 23 and a 7.36 ERA against Arizona on September 26. On September 20, he pitched 6.2 innings and allowed 3 runs with a 4.05 ERA against Miami.
Relying on bullpen depth
The Dodgers rotation lacks length, which places pressure on the bullpen. Jack Flaherty recorded an eight-run performance in just three innings during Game 5 of the NLCS. Tyler Glasnow returns to the rotation after a rehab assignment where he allowed one run in 5.1 innings and struck out nine. The team expects Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol to join the relief corps as they progress with live hitters. The Dodgers possess enough depth to consider Shohei Ohtani as a starter or use Glasnow in a piggyback role. Tarik Skubal maintains a 2.45 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 11 innings. Blake Snell holds a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 innings and has recorded 5 strikeouts. Edwin Diaz shows a 1.50 ERA in 6.0 innings, while Evan Phillips has pitched 3.0 innings with a 0.00 ERA. Alex Vesia has recorded 3.1 innings with a 0.00 ERA, and Tanner Scott has a 4.76 ERA in 5.2 innings and 3 strikeouts. Roki Sasaki has a 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings and 2 strikeouts, and Brock Stewart has a 4.50 ERA in 2.0 innings and 1 strikeout. Justin Wrobleski holds a 3.86 ERA over 2.1 innings and 1 strikeout. The Dodgers must manage these arms to maintain their 100-62 record throughout the postseason.
