Misiorowski, Skubal Poised for NLCS Game 1 Duel After 1.80 and 2.72 ERA Seasons

Q: Will Los Angeles' star-studded rotation expose Milwaukee's inconsistent offense in this highly anticipated NLCS rematch?

Yes—Los Angeles has a real chance to expose Milwaukee’s thinner margin for error at the plate, but it is not a mismatch. The Dodgers’ edge is the rotation. Tarik Skubal is lined up for Game 1, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow likely behind him. That group just posted a 1.69 ERA in the NLDS against Atlanta, and Skubal has been especially reliable in October, carrying a 2.04 ERA over six playoff starts in 2024 and 2025 while consistently working deep into games. That kind of depth can pressure an offense that has gone quiet at times in past postseason meetings with Los Angeles. Milwaukee’s offense is productive, but it wins differently than most contenders. The Brewers led MLB in hits and on-base percentage during the regular season, but they were near the bottom in home runs. Their attack depends on plate discipline, speed, contact and timely hitting more than pure slugging. That style can work against elite pitching if Milwaukee stays patient and avoids chasing, but it also leaves less room for recovery if the Dodgers’ starters control counts and limit traffic. There is also evidence the Brewers are better equipped than a year ago. They won 103 games, took the regular-season series from Los Angeles, and have enough hitters—Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Brice Turang—to manufacture runs. Still, after last year’s NLCS sweep and with the Dodgers’ rotation entering in top form, Milwaukee’s offense is under the sharper spotlight.

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Oct 8

Sunday’s NLCS opener is lining up as a Jacob Misiorowski-Tarik Skubal matchup after both aces worked only once in their Division Series and should be fully rested.
Misiorowski enters as MLB’s most dominant 2026 starter, finishing 24 years old with a 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts, a 0.80 WHIP and a fastball that reached 104.8 mph against San Diego.
Skubal gives the Dodgers a former two-time AL Cy Young winner who posted a 2.72 ERA in 26 starts and a 2.61 mark after his trade, despite missing 44 days following elbow surgery.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the main alternative for Los Angeles, but his Game 3 NLDS start on Tuesday would leave him on four days’ rest for Sunday, making a Game 2 assignment more likely.
The potential duel would add another marquee layer to a Brewers-Dodgers rematch of the 2025 NL pennant series between the National League’s top two regular-season teams.