Dodgers announce their starting pitcher for Game 5

Aug 16, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have used some gamesmanship with the way they handled their lineup for Game 4 of their NLDS against the San Diego Padres, but they are being clear with one aspect of Game 5.

The Dodgers on Thursday announced via social media that Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be starting the decisive Game 5 against the Padres at Dodger Stadium.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had said that Yamamoto would be a part of the team’s pitching plan for Game 5, but did not specify the pitcher’s role. The Dodgers made clear that Yamamoto would be starting.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 5 of the NLDS. pic.twitter.com/Tu2971eSXk

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 11, 2024

Yamamoto will be opposed by Padres starter Yu Darvish. That means it will be a pitching matchup between Japan natives, with another Japanese star, Shohei Ohtani, figuring heavily in the matter.

The winner of the game will advance to face the New York Mets in the NLCS.