The Los Angeles Dodgers return to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, August 14 to host the Milwaukee Brewers in a 10:10 PM ET first pitch. Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the ball for Los Angeles, squaring off against Milwaukee left-hander Robert Gasser in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup deep into the 2026 season. With the calendar pushing toward the final stretch of the regular season, every game carries real weight in the standings race, and the Dodgers will need Yamamoto to be sharp against a Brewers club that is always capable of playing spoiler.
Probable Starters: Yamamoto vs. Gasser
Yamamoto has been one of the most important arms in the Dodgers rotation since arriving in Los Angeles, and his starts at Dodger Stadium carry an electric charge that the home crowd feeds off of. The right-hander's combination of a high-spin fastball, filthy splitter, and sharp breaking ball gives opposing lineups very little margin for error. On any given night, he is capable of taking the game completely out of Milwaukee's hands early.
Gasser, a left-handed starter for the Brewers, presents an interesting challenge for the Dodgers lineup. Milwaukee has a track record of developing pitching, and Gasser will look to exploit any early-count aggression from Los Angeles hitters. The Dodgers will need to work counts and find ways to get into the Milwaukee bullpen if Gasser is on his game.
Keys to Watch in Dodgers vs. Brewers
- Yamamoto's command early: When Yamamoto is throwing strikes and mixing his pitches in the first two innings, the Brewers rarely recover. His ability to set the tone in the first three frames is the single biggest factor in this game.
- Dodgers lineup vs. left-handed pitching: Los Angeles will need to see how its lineup construction shapes up against Gasser. Matchup management against a lefty starter could influence lineup decisions from the first inning.
- Milwaukee's bullpen depth: The Brewers' strength often lives in their relief corps. If the Dodgers can chase Gasser before the sixth inning, navigating that bullpen becomes the real challenge of the night.
- Dodger Stadium atmosphere: A Friday night home game at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium draws a big, engaged crowd. Yamamoto thrives in that environment, and the energy can absolutely shift momentum at critical at-bats.
Prediction
This one comes down to Yamamoto. When he is at his best, the Dodgers are difficult to beat at home, and Milwaukee will need to string together traffic against him to stay in the game. Expect Los Angeles to take care of business in front of the home crowd. Dodgers win, 4–1.
Catch the action on SportsNet LA on television, Dodgers Radio AM570 in English, or KTNQ 1020 for Spanish-language coverage.
