By Jon Weisman
Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the Dodgers in their win-or-stay-home Game 4 of the National League Division Series against Washington, today at 2:05 p.m.
Over the past three postseasons, Kershaw has made three starts on three days’ rest, totaling 19 innings, with a 1.89 ERA and 23 strikeouts against four walks.
In NLDS Game 1 on Friday, Kershaw allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings, with seven strikeouts.
The decision leaves Julio Urías to start a potential Game 5 on the road in Washington on Thursday, though essentially, every Dodger pitcher is on call for every inning from this point forward. For a rundown on their workloads from the previous two days, click here.
Joe Ross has been announced as the starter for Washington. The 23-year-old, second-year right-hander had 3.43 ERA in 19 starts this year.
Ross allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings at Dodger Stadium on June 22, in a game the Dodgers won in the ninth on Yasiel Puig’s Little League home run. He has pitched only 9 2/3 innings since July 2, having missed 2½ months with right shoulder inflammation until late September.
throwdeuce
The correct and wisest move. If they lose today, at least lose with your best.
Find it funny how people think Kershaw’s bad starts in playoffs have been on 3 days rest, when he’s actually pitched better.
Pat Hennes
I prefer using our kid against their kid at home. I would like our chances in that game. Then we have CK on 5 days rest, in their ball park. Our kid against their ace, in their park? Don’t like that match up. You have to win two.
throwdeuce
Don’t be surprised if it’s Hill on short rest and short leash in game 5. Doc said this between the lines in his presser this morning.