Source: Skubal to start Dodgers’ NLDS opener; Braves’ plans in flux

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that ace Tarik Skubal will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. The decision lines up Skubal for a potential winner-take-all Game 5 on five days' rest. Meanwhile, Atlanta plans to counter Skubal by using a reliever as an opener in the series opener.

Fellow left-hander Blake Snell is the likely candidate for Game 2 for Los Angeles, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto is projected to start Game 3. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss indicated that the Braves will lean heavily on their bullpen, though a Game 2 start for Chris Sale remains under consideration.