The Los Angeles Dodgers were shut out by the San Francisco Giants for the second time in the National League Division Series and now look to avoid having their season come to an abrupt end when the teams square off in a pivotal Game 4 at Dodger Stadium.
Hoping to stave off elimination, the Dodgers send Walker Buehler to the mound on short rest for the first time in his career. He took the ball in the series opener at Oracle Park and allowed three runs over 6.1 innings on 99 pitches.
Buehler gave up two home runs in the outing, which matched his total in six starts against the Giants during the regular season. The right-hander pitched to an overall 2.19 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 37 innings this year against the Dodgers’ rival.
Considering Buehler is starting on three days’ rest, it stands to reason he could serve as an opener of sorts. Tony Gonsolin, who likely would have started Game 4 had the Dodgers been ahead in the NLDS, could potentially piggyback Buehler.
The 27-year-old last pitched on Sept. 30 but recently faced batters in a simulated setting during an NLDS workout. He made four appearances during the 2020 postseason and called it a good learning experience despite mostly struggling in his outings.
The Giants counter with Anthony DeSclafani, who is coming off a career year in which he posted personal bests in wins (13), ERA (3.17), FIP (3.62) and WHIP (1.09).
Sclafani struggled mightily in three starts against the Dodgers during the regular season, going 0-3 with a 7.33 ERA and 1.78 WHIP over 27 innings of work.
Cody Bellinger moves back to first base and it provides an opportunity for Gavin Lux to start in center field. The start is Lux’s first of the NLDS.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
2B: Trea Turner
C: Will Smith
3B: Justin Turner
CF: Gavin Lux
1B: Cody Bellinger
LF: Chris Taylor
P: Walker Buehler
Giants lineup
2B: Tommy La Stella
1B: Darin Ruf
SS: Brandon Crawford
C: Buster Posey
RF: Kris Bryant
LF: LaMonte Wade Jr.
3B: Evan Longoria
CF: Mike Yastrzemski
P: Anthony DeSclafani
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