Whereas the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation and roster for the National League Division Series was known ahead of time, the Washington Nationals kept information close to the vest. It wasn’t until Friday that manager Dusty Baker officially named Tanner Roark the starter for Game 2.
After announcing earlier in the week that Max Scherzer was taking the ball in Game 1, Baker regularly deflected questions pertaining to his pitching probables for Games 2 and 3. It was clear Roark and Gio Gonzalez were going to follow Scherzer.
Baker went so far as to say he was ‘unsettled’ on selecting which of the two would be tabbed for the home start. His tune was much different on Friday, however.
“Well you know, we weren’t debating that much. We were just kind of messing with you guys,” Baker said with a smile.
Roark pitched in the 2014 NLDS, but the start on Saturday will be his first in the postseason. “It’s definitely a dream come true,” he said. The right-hander went 16-10 with a 2.83 ERA this season, including a 9-6 mark and 2.72 ERA at home.
He suffered a loss to the Dodgers at Nationals Park despite only allowing three runs in 7.1 innings pitched. Roark understands the challenges that come with facing a deep lineup, and intends to stick with his typical approach.
“I’m very confident. Just got to use all my pitches and, you know, keep them off balance and keep them guessing,” he said. “You know, keep being aggressive in the zone and not trying to nibble or do anything like that. Go right after them.”
Roark added he would review film of his start against the Dodgers this season to determine which adjustments are needed. Roark reiterated it ultimately will boil down to him pitching with assertion.
As for eclipsing 200 innings for the first time in his career, the 30-year-old didn’t alter his between-starts training and workouts. “You’ve got to keep going out there,” Roark said.
“Day-in, day-out, for four days before — leads up till the fifth day and you’ve got to get your work in in the weight room, running, and do everything to be willing to go and feel 110 percent come day five.”
