While the Los Angeles Dodgers wait to learn the identity of their opponent in the National League Division Series, manager Dave Roberts formally announced Rich Hill will start Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7. That pushes Yu Darvish to a start in Game 3, on the road.
“Rich threw the ball well and faced some hitters, and came out of it well,” Roberts said on a conference call Tuesday evening. “We’re looking forward to him pitching in Game 2.” A decision to follow Clayton Kershaw in the series with another southpaw was simply a matter of comfort.
“Opponent withstanding, we feel good with Rich pitching at home. He’s comfortable and had a lot of success here,” Roberts explained. “And Yu feels comfortable pitching either at home or on the road.”
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Hill will take the mound on nine days’ rest. He downplayed any concern over the long layoff and stressed the importance of remaining consistent with his regular routine.
Hill went 7-5 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 14 starts at Dodger Stadium this season, compared to 5-3 record and a 4.06 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 11 road starts.
Because of not having home-field advantage and how the Dodgers aligned their rotation, Hill did not pitch at Chavez Ravine during the 2016 NLDS. He tossed six shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series.
In advance of potentially facing the Colorado Rockies in a Game 3 at Coors Field, Darvish used the Dodgers’ weekend series to work off and become familiar with the mound. He’s yet to pitch in the Rockies home ballpark in his career.
What’s more, Darvish’s only career start against the Rockies came this season after being traded to the Dodgers. He allowed five runs on five hits (one home run) and struck out six in just 4.1 innings of work.
Darvish struck out 10 and allowed two runs on five hits (one home run) in five innings of work at Chase Field this season. It’s one of two starts made at the home ballpark of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Darvish is expected to complete a simulated game on Wednesday. He last pitched Sept. 25.
