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The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves on the brink of elimination after dropping Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday, falling behind 0-3 in the best-of-seven matchup. To keep their season alive, they must now win four consecutive games, starting with Thursday's Game 4.
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow will take the mound for the Dodgers as they attempt to avoid a sudden postseason exit. Given the must-win nature of the contest, Glasnow is expected to have a short leash.
Amid speculation about whether the Dodgers might use ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in relief during Game 4, manager Dave Roberts was unequivocal. When asked after Wednesday's loss if Yamamoto could be available out of the bullpen, Roberts simply said, "No." He reiterated the sentiment on Thursday, again responding, "No," before elaborating: "Our bullpen is rested, very, very capable. You've still got to win four, but obviously you've got to win one first, and I completely understand that. But the short answer, no."
Yamamoto had previously expressed a willingness to pitch in relief if called upon. "I'm going to get myself ready for any situation," Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda earlier in the series. "If they want me to go out, then I go out. But for me, just those are key things for me. Postseason is just focusing on the game right in front of me." The right-hander started Game 2 on Monday, allowing three runs over 2.2 innings.
Throughout his regular-season career, Yamamoto has never pitched in relief, nor has he done so in the postseason. His only relief appearance came in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series last November, when he entered with two on and one out in the bottom of the ninth on zero days' rest. After hitting a batter to load the bases, he induced a groundout and a flyout to escape the jam, then threw 2.2 scoreless innings to earn the win and secure World Series MVP honors.
Now, with the Dodgers' season hanging in the balance, Roberts' decision to hold Yamamoto back for a potential Game 6 start makes strategic sense. Tarik Skubal is slated to pitch Game 5, and Yamamoto would be in line for Game 6. But first, Los Angeles must find a way to win Game 4 and extend the series.
Key Analysis
Roberts' reluctance to use Yamamoto in relief underscores the Dodgers' precarious position. While a relief appearance by Yamamoto could provide an immediate boost, it would jeopardize his availability for a potential Game 6, where he would be far more valuable in a starting role. The Dodgers' bullpen, which Roberts described as rested and capable, will need to step up to keep the season alive. With the team's back against the wall, every decision carries immense weight, and Roberts is clearly playing the long game, hoping his club can scratch out a win and force a Game 5.