Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulls MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto in NLCS Game 2

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the starting lineup in the third inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Monday, Oct 12, 2026.

Roberts told Fox’s Ken Rosenthal during a live interview that the decision was necessary “to stop the damage right there,” after Yamamoto’s brief outing left the Dodgers trailing.

Yamamoto delivered 75 pitches over 2 ⅔ innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, two walks and only one strikeout. The performance marked the shortest postseason appearance of his career.

During his final frame, Yamamoto faced a 12‑pitch, 3‑2 count against Jake Bauers, fouling off six consecutive pitches before issuing a walk that loaded the bases. He had previously thrown a 22‑pitch sequence to David Hamilton, Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang and William Contreras earlier in the inning.

Christian Yelich then ripped a two‑RBI single that put the Brewers ahead 3‑2. Roberts reacted immediately, removing Yamamoto and bringing in left‑handed specialist Alex Vesia, who recorded a strikeout of Garrett Mitchell to end the inning.

Dodgers offense responded in the fifth inning when Logan Henderson’s errant throw allowed Kyle Tucker to score, and Freddie Freeman’s sacrifice fly drove in Tommy Edman, giving Los Angeles a temporary lead.

Milwaukee tied the game at four runs when William Contreras belted a solo home run to center field. With the series tied and six innings remaining, Roberts emphasized the need to “reset, regroup” and rely on the bullpen to finish the game.

The early removal of a World Series MVP has reignited discussion about managerial strategies in postseason baseball, especially when a pitcher’s early struggles threaten a team’s momentum.