The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to open Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday at American Family Field — a clash that promises fireworks between two of the league’s elite.

Ahead of the series, the Dodgers revealed their pitching rotation: two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell will start Game 1, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound for Game 2.

When Yamamoto met with the media in Milwaukee hours before the opener, reporters immediately noticed his darker hair. Asked about the new look, he smiled and explained, “It’s not really something we talk about much, but since you asked — last time my hair was a little bright, so I decided to dye it a

Naturally, the question came up whether the change had anything to do with his last outing against the Phillies, when he gave up three earned runs over four innings. The Dodgers had a chance to sweep that series but fell short in Game 3, with Yamamoto taking the loss.

Reflecting on that performance, he said, “My stuff wasn’t bad, but I gave up too much contact. I want to focus more on the fundamentals — things like pitch location.”

Of all Dodgers starters in the NLDS, Yamamoto’s appearance was the shortest. Still, he remains confident heading into this critical matchup. Asked again if the hair change symbolized a reset, the Japanese ace chuckled: “No, not really the reason — but I hope it helps turn things around.”

A darker look, a fresh mindset — and a chance for redemption as the Dodgers chase another World Series berth.