Yoshinobu Yamamoto faced a shocking early exit in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the shortest postseason start of his career.
Why it matters: Yamamoto, one of the most dominant postseason pitchers, struggled significantly, raising questions about the Dodgers' pitching depth as they head into a tight series.
On October 12, 2026, Yamamoto was pulled after just 2.2 innings pitched, having thrown 75 pitches with only 46 strikes.
The Dodgers had previously relied heavily on Yamamoto, who entered the game with a stellar postseason record of 9-1.
His exit forced the Dodgers to rely on their bullpen for at least 16 outs, increasing pressure on a fatigued pitching staff.
Driving the news: Yamamoto’s outing quickly unraveled in the third inning, where he faced 36 pitches and recorded only two outs before being replaced.
He allowed a leadoff single to David Hamilton, who later stole second base.
Brice Turang walked on a disputed ball four call after a six-pitch at-bat, which could have ended in a strikeout if challenged.
Jake Bauers then drew a 12-pitch walk, loading the bases for the Brewers.
The big picture: The Dodgers entered the game with high hopes, but Yamamoto’s performance has raised concerns about their ability to secure a win in the series.
Yamamoto’s struggles were compounded by questionable calls from the home plate umpire, which frustrated both him and manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers’ bullpen will need to step up significantly, especially after Tarik Skubal pitched only five innings in Game 1, leaving them short on reliable arms.
With the series shifting to a potential three-game stretch, the Dodgers will need to find a way to manage their pitching effectively.
What they’re saying: Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the challenges faced by Yamamoto and credited the Brewers' hitters for their resilience.
“You’ve got to give credit to [William] Contreras, Bauers, those guys put together great at-bats,” Roberts said during the game.
He noted that the Brewers were able to spoil good pitches and take advantage of missed calls, which contributed to Yamamoto’s difficulties.
“I just felt that we had to stop the damage right there and get [Alex] Vesia in there,” Roberts added.
By the numbers: Yamamoto’s performance in Game 2 was a stark departure from his previous outings.
He threw the most pitches in the first three innings of a game since June 13, 2025, when he also threw 76 pitches.
This outing marked the end of a streak of four consecutive postseason starts where he pitched six or more innings, allowing one or zero runs.
Yamamoto’s postseason ERA now stands at 2.24, ranking fifth all-time among pitchers with at least 10 postseason starts.
Between the lines: The Dodgers’ decision not to challenge the ball four calls against Turang and Bauers has been a focal point of criticism.
Both players reached base after what appeared to be missed calls, which could have significantly changed the inning’s outcome.
Yamamoto visibly gestured for catcher Will Smith to challenge the calls, but Smith opted not to, leading to questions about the decision-making process.
This incident shows the value of communication and strategy in high-pressure playoff situations.
What’s next: The Dodgers face an uphill battle as they prepare for Game 3 of the NLCS.
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, where the Dodgers will need to regroup and rely on their bullpen to secure a win.
With the series tied at 1-1, each game becomes increasingly important, and the Dodgers must find ways to support their pitching staff.
Fans will follow closely closely to see how the team adjusts after Yamamoto’s unexpected struggles.