How Dodgers pitching would line up to make historic 3-0 comeback

If the Dodgers are going to book their third consecutive trip to the World Series, it’s going to take a comeback of historic proportions. Los Angeles trails the Brewers, three games to none, after a 6-2 loss Wednesday night.

Among 42 best-of-seven postseason series to see one team take a 3-0 lead, just once has the trailing team come back to win: the 2004 Red Sox against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a key role in that comeback as a player, and he’ll have to do so once again from the bench in 2026.

A lot rides on the Dodger bats getting hot in order to turn the tide in this series. They have averaged just over two runs per game over these three losses. But Roberts must also start planning how his pitching will look, as things could get complicated in a necessary four-game run.

Plans can always change based on the situation, but neither Game 1 starter Tarik Skubal nor Game 2 starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to throw out of the bullpen in Game 4. They would both be on short rest and will be needed if the Dodgers can extend this series.

So let’s take a shot at mapping out how the Dodgers can manufacture a comeback from the mound, starting with Thursday’s Game 4 matchup.

• Brewers-Dodgers NLCS Game 4 FAQ

Game 4: Glasnow and the kitchen sink

The Dodgers will get things going Thursday with Tyler Glasnow, who has a sparkling track record in two postseasons with Los Angeles. The righty owns a 1.73 ERA in seven playoff appearances (four starts) for the Dodgers, and his club has won each of those games. He went 4 2/3 innings in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Braves, allowing just one run but walking five batters.

The Dodgers would certainly love to see Glasnow provide length Thursday, but Roberts should be quick with the hook if his starter falters at all. None of the big names -- Tanner Scott, Edwin Díaz or Alex Vesia -- pitched in Game 3. Add in that there was an off day ahead of Game 3, and every reliever should be available on paper. Roberts could piece this thing together like he did many times in 2025, giving the Brewers myriad looks.

Games 5 and 6: Lean on the superstars

Skubal would line up to start Game 5 and Yamamoto in Game 6 if the series gets there -- both on regular rest. Skubal stood his ground in his Game 1 start against the Brewers, allowing just two runs, but he only lasted five innings. Assuming Roberts has to tax his bullpen to win Game 4, the Dodgers will need Skubal to pitch like the back-to-back Cy Young winner he is in Game 5. There’s a pedigree to believe he’ll do so, with a 2.13 ERA in eight career playoff starts.

Yamamoto’s historic 2025 postseason performance has given him a reputation as one of the game’s best October pitchers. He excelled in his first 2026 postseason start, striking out 10 across seven one-run innings against the Braves. The Brewers, however, cracked the code in Game 2 of the NLCS. They chased him after just 2 2/3 innings, plating three runs.

Yamamoto will have the benefit of a travel day in front of his start if the series plays to a Game 6, so Roberts could be a bit more liberal with his bullpen usage if needed. But Yamamoto living up to his name would go a long way to helping a potential Game 7…

Game 7: Just figure it out

Blake Snell, who was cruising through Game 3 before Jake Bauers and Garrett Mitchell hit back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning, would almost certainly get the start. He could provide bulk innings, but Roberts should have no hesitation going to the bullpen at a moment’s notice.

The Dodgers have 13 pitchers on their NLCS roster, and they would likely all be prepared to throw if the series reaches Game 7. Even Yamamoto might reprise his heroics from the ‘25 World Series when he pitched on back-to-back days.

Of course, we’re talking about hypotheticals here. The Dodgers must pull off an all-time comeback to get to Game 7. But in such a situation? All bets will be off.