Skubal Starts Dodgers’ NLDS Opener

The Dodgers selected Tarik Skubal over Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, to start Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Atlanta. Skubal, a two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner who joined Los Angeles in an August trade, made his first home postseason start after six road playoff starts with Detroit. He struck out seven and allowed one run on two hits over six innings, with a fastball reaching 101.1 mph in 100°F heat at Dodger Stadium; after Sean Murphy homered in the sixth, Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy hit home runs to extend the Dodgers’ lead. The decision was intended to preserve pitching options deeper into the series, and Skubal is due to become a free agent after the season.