Last 32 starts by Dodgers hurlers would make even Paul Skenes blush

The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation has been, by far, the most outstanding part of their roster throughout the postseason. Despite a bum World Series Game 1 start from Blake Snell that gave way to a bullpen meltdown, he had an 0.86 ERA going into it after three straight masterclasses from the Wild Card through the NLCS. In Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto became the first pitcher since Curt Schilling in 2001 to throw back-to-back complete games in the postseason.

It might surprise you to learn, though, that the Dodgers starters' run of dominance stretches well beyond the 12 playoff contests the club has participated in so far. Instead, it dates back to the stretch run when the Dodgers were fighting tooth and nail to wrestle the NL West crown away from the San Diego Padres.

Speaking of starting pitching brilliance, close your eyes and think of the most dominant starter in the game today. It's not the man whose name is engulfing trade rumors right now (Tarik Skubal), though he's a close second. No, it's Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Now imagine if I told you that over their last 32 starts, which is essentially a full season of work for a starting pitcher, the Dodgers starters collectively have put together a line that blows Skenes' performance out of the water.

Impossible? No. Mind boggling? Yes.

The Dodgers' starting rotation has combined for a 32-start stretch that makes Paul Skenes look pedestrian

If you need proof, take a look at the data compiled by Paul Hembekides and see for yourself.

There you can see that LA's starters have combined for 180 1/3 innings of work while posting 16 more strikeouts in seven fewer innings than Skenes, an ERA that is over a half-run lower at 1.45, and an unfathomably dominant .417 OPS allowed — all in what has been the equivalent of a full season of starts for a pitcher.

Basically, over their last 32 games, Los Angeles has sent out a starter that is somehow significantly better than the best pitcher in the world every time out. It's a level of dominance rarely seen (if ever) over such a prolonged period of time, and it shows all four playoff starters are thoroughly in the groove right now.

If the Dodgers win it all, it will likely be because this group has continued to excel at this unheard of level, and the title of playoff MVP should be shared among them equally.

Standing in their way are the Toronto Blue Jays, whose lineup might present the stiffest challenge they face yet. Toronto led the league in batting average by a wide margin, while also striking out less often than any other team in the majors. Additionally, their 798 runs scored ranks fourth, and their .427 team slugging percentage ranks seventh, proving that this isn't some empty contact group of hitters.

The matchup will be fascinating to watch play out as we'll learn whether or not the buzzsaw that's been the Dodgers' rotation can tame a unit that has been on fire this October with a collective .296/.355/.523 line, and is getting one of their best hitters back for the first time since early September. Despite an uncharacteristically weak Game 1 start for Snell, Yamamoto already proved that the Dodgers' rotation is underestimated at their opponents' peril.