After days indicating Rich Hill was slated to take the ball against the Boston Red Sox in Game 4 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers hinted at a possible change shortly after their walk-off victory on Saturday morning.
There was some thought perhaps Kershaw would take the ball as the Dodgers are in position to even the series. However, the start would’ve meant a third consecutive time he was pitching on short rest.
The Dodgers ended up going with their original plan after all, as they announced Saturday afternoon that Hill will indeed make the start.
After throwing seven innings of one-run ball against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, Kershaw was used for an inning out of the bullpen to close out Game 7. The save was Kershaw’s second of his career. So it made sense to stick with Hill in Game 4 and then throw Kershaw on regular rest in Game 5.
Hill has made three appearances so far this postseason (two starts), posting a 2.61 ERA with 10 strikeouts and nine walks in 10.1 innings.
He has made 10 total postseason appearances over the last three years for the Dodgers and has fared well, yielding a 2.85 ERA in 41 innings.
With the Dodgers’ bullpen being taxed in the 18-inning Game 3, they will be hoping to get some length out of Hill on Saturday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes the bullpen is in ‘good shape’ considering the circumstances though.
The Red Sox pitching is in a bit of worse shape, but they have decided to start lefty Eduardo Rodriguez in Game 4. He threw six pitches out of the bullpen in Game 3.
Want to get your content COMPLETELY AD FREE? Click here to follow us on Apple News!
