World Series Game 6 Starting Pitchers: Yamamoto vs. Gausman as Dodgers Fight to Stay Alive

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship hopes rest on Yoshinobu Yamamoto as they face the Toronto Blue Jays in a must-win Game 6 of the 2025 World Series on Friday at Rogers Centre. With the Blue Jays holding a 3–2 series lead, Los Angeles needs a victory to force a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.

The Dodgers, who entered the Fall Classic seeking back-to-back titles, find themselves on the brink after two straight losses at home. Toronto has outscored them 12–3 across Games 4 and 5, powered by timely hitting and dominant pitching that silenced LA’s offense.

Dodgers Turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Extend the Series

Manager Dave Roberts will send right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12–8, 2.49 ERA) to the mound for Game 6, hoping the Japanese ace can replicate his masterful Game 2 performance. In that outing, Yamamoto went the distance, allowing just four hits in the first World Series complete game since 2015.

Opposing him will be Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman (10–11, 3.59 ERA), who also started Game 2. Gausman gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings and kept Toronto in contention before Yamamoto’s gem evened the series at one game apiece. The pitching rematch could determine whether the Blue Jays celebrate their first championship in 30 years—or if the Dodgers get one more chance.

“We’ve got to make some adjustments,” Roberts said after Game 5. “We’ve been in elimination games before. This group knows what it takes—we just need to find a way to win one game.”

Injury Report for Dodgers and Blue Jays

Both teams enter Game 6 dealing with injuries to key contributors. The Blue Jays remain without pitchers José Berríos (elbow) and Yimi García (ankle), while George Springer is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed side issue. Toronto’s bullpen depth has been tested throughout the postseason, with multiple relievers on the injured list.

For Los Angeles, the pitching staff has also taken heavy hits. The Dodgers are missing several arms, including Tony Gonsolin (elbow), Evan Phillips (forearm), and Brusdar Graterol (shoulder). Relievers Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech are both sidelined on the 15-day injured list, forcing Roberts to rely on Yamamoto to pitch deep into the game.

If the Dodgers win, a potential Game 7 could feature a bullpen-heavy approach, as most of their rotation is worn down. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, would likely turn to Chris Bassitt or a bullpen tandem should the series go the distance.

High Stakes and Historical Context

No team has won consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000. The Dodgers, who entered 2025 as preseason favorites, now face a daunting task in trying to replicate that feat. Toronto’s lineup—anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Daulton Varsho—has powered the Blue Jays to within one victory of history.

Fans in Toronto are expected to pack Rogers Centre for what could be the franchise’s first World Series clincher since 1993. Meanwhile, LA will look to their veteran core—Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani—to spark an offensive revival after two quiet games.

With Yamamoto on the mound and elimination looming, the Dodgers’ season—and their bid for dynasty status—comes down to one game in Toronto.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who are the World Series Game 6 starting pitchers?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers, while Kevin Gausman gets the nod for the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Q2: When and where is World Series Game 6?

Game 6 takes place Friday, 5 p.m. ET, at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Q3: What is the Dodgers’ injury status before Game 6?

Several pitchers remain out, including Tony Gonsolin, Evan Phillips, and Brusdar Graterol. Kirby Yates is on the 15-day injured list.

Q4: Could there be a Game 7?

Yes. If the Dodgers win Game 6, a decisive Game 7 will be played Saturday in Toronto.

Q5: When did the Blue Jays last win the World Series?

The Blue Jays last won the championship in 1993, sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies.