Yamamoto faces Schlittler in Dodgers Yankees twin bill
The Dodgers Yankees series shifts to a Sunday doubleheader at Yankee Stadium after Saturday's rainout, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to face Cam Schlittler in Game 1. Los Angeles swapped starters so its ace opens against New York's AL ERA leader in a buzz-worthy Bronx showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Saturday's Dodgers-Yankees game was postponed by rain and rescheduled as a split doubleheader Sunday at Yankee Stadium.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 1 against Cam Schlittler, after manager Dave Roberts preferred that matchup over Emmet Sheehan.
- Yamamoto entered the second half 9-6 with a 2.85 ERA; Schlittler is 9-5 with an AL-best 2.05 ERA in 20 starts.
- Game 1 starts at 9:35 a.m. PT on SportsNet LA; the nightcap airs at 4:20 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Why are the Dodgers Yankees playing a doubleheader?
Saturday's middle game in the Bronx was wiped out by rain, marking the Dodgers' first rainout of the 2026 season. The clubs will now play two on Sunday, with the early contest leading a national nightcap.
Los Angeles had already beaten New York 2-1 on Friday, July 17, before the unexpected off day. For more celebrity sports fallout and viral sports headlines, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Who starts Game 1 for the Dodgers Yankees twin bill?
According to MLB.com, Yamamoto and Schlittler are lined up for Game 1. The original weekend plan had Emmet Sheehan facing left-hander Ryan Weathers on Saturday and Yamamoto against Schlittler on Sunday; the rainout pushed Yamamoto into the early Sunday slot.
Yahoo Sports reported that Roberts felt more comfortable pairing Yamamoto with Schlittler in the opener. Sheehan is widely expected to draw Game 2 for Los Angeles, while New York has not publicly confirmed its second starter.
Yamamoto, 27, finished third in National League Cy Young voting last year and is the reigning World Series MVP. He said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda that his physical condition has been good and he hopes to carry that into the second half.
Schlittler, 25 and in his second big-league season, owns a 2.05 ERA that ranks among the best in baseball and recently made his first All-Star appearance. This will be his first start against the Dodgers.
Why does the Yamamoto-Schlittler duel matter?
Both arms are in the Cy Young conversation. Schlittler has emerged as an American League favorite after the break, while Yamamoto remains a National League ace with elite command—his 0.91 WHIP ranks near the top of MLB, just ahead of Schlittler's 0.94.
Yamamoto also has recent Yankee Stadium pedigree: on June 7, 2024, he threw seven innings of two-hit ball in the Bronx. Schlittler called the Dodgers a top-three team and said New York must "step up to that hype" and play its game.
With fresh bullpens after the rainout and both starters often working six-plus innings, Game 1 shapes up as a true pitching showcase—and a possible October preview if these clubs meet again.