The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially revealed their starting pitcher plans for Games 1 and 2 of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, signaling confidence in a rotation that has dominated throughout the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Blake Snell will take the mound for Game 1, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto following in Game 2.
Blake Snell to Lead Game 1
Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, has been exceptional since returning from shoulder complications earlier this season. After a shaky start in Dodger blue — allowing 10 hits, two earned runs, eight walks, and four strikeouts across his first two starts — Snell has been nearly untouchable since August. Over 52.1 innings, he has posted a 2.41 ERA, with 68 strikeouts against just 18 walks.
In the NLCS Game 1 versus the Milwaukee Brewers, Snell was at his peak, delivering eight shutout innings, giving up only one hit, and striking out 10 batters. His dominant performance set the tone for a 2–1 Dodgers victory and established him as the ideal choice to kick off the World Series. Across three postseason outings, Snell boasts a microscopic 0.86 ERA, surrendering only six hits and five walks while striking out 28 over 21 innings. Roberts’ decision to slot Snell in Game 1 reflects the Dodgers’ philosophy of starting hot-handed pitchers in high-stakes matchups.
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto Set for Game 2
Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ ace, has been equally impressive in 2025. During the regular season, he recorded a 2.49 ERA, 201 strikeouts, and a 12-8 record over 30 starts, earning his first All-Star selection and a 5.0 bWAR. Despite a hiccup in the NLDS against the Phillies, where he lasted just over four innings, Yamamoto rebounded spectacularly in the NLCS Game 2, throwing a complete nine-inning game while allowing only one run on three hits and striking out seven.
Roberts’ choice to mirror the NLCS rotation demonstrates a “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” approach. Following Snell and Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani are expected to take Games 3 and 4, though those assignments have not yet been officially confirmed.
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World Series Outlook
With both Snell and Yamamoto locked in for the opening games, the Dodgers appear poised to continue their postseason dominance. Only one loss separates them from a potential back-to-back championship, and the confidence in their starting rotation underscores their strategy: ride the hottest arms and maintain momentum against a formidable Blue Jays lineup.
As Snell and Yamamoto prepare to take the mound in Toronto, LAs pitching depth and postseason experience could prove decisive in their quest for another World Series title.