r/baseball • u/Wraithfighter • 4m ago
Would you use Skubal or Yamamoto in Game 4? And when?
Its always interesting to think about the strategies that come around with playoff series. The Dodgers need to win their next four games, or they're eliminated. And while they weren't invulnerable, Skubal and Yamamoto were certainly extremely good against the Brewers, and are great pitchers.
So, in Game 4, what do you do? Skubal would be pitching on three days rest, Yamamoto two games. And you still have Game 5 to think about. And then Game 6. And Game 7.
You could have Skubal, Yamamoto, and Snell keep going on three days for the rest of the series, if it goes that long. Or you could use Glasnow (I think that's the Dodgers' 4th starter for the playoffs?) to start tomorrow and trust the bullpen, keeping Skubal, Yamamoto, and Snell on full rest for the rest of the series...
...but when would you break glass in case of Glasnow breaking?
My stance: It doesn't matter if I throw everything at winning Game 4 if I can't win Game 5 or 6 or 7. To me, the Dodgers need to give everyone full rest. Game 4 is the hardest game they'll have to win this year, but if they can, they'll at least have their starting pitchers on track for the rest of the series.
.......of course, none of that matters if the Dodgers can't hit the ball, but a manager can only control so many things.