When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Lance Lynn prior to the August 1 trade deadline it was with an expectation he would absorb innings and help provide stability to a starting rotation that had been decimated by injuries and inconsistent performances.
They were confident joining a World Series contender and team with a long history of helping pitchers improve would be beneficial for Lynn. The Dodgers anticipated Lynn’s home run rate declining as well.
Although some of that has been mixed results, Lynn’s largely been a positive addition for the Dodgers. But in light of some of his struggles and only needing three starting pitchers for the National League Division Series because of off days, Lynn’s outlook for October is not immediately clear.
When asked about the veteran starter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said a decision has not been made if Lynn will be included on the postseason roster as a starter, via SportsNet LA:
“I don’t know yet. I did have a conversation with him weeks ago, as far as once we get to the postseason, everything is on the table. Right now I see him as a starter, but we’re going to have some conversations, given who the potential opponent will be. I don’t know right now, but right now he’s a starter.”
When asked if the Dodgers would wait until closer to Game 3 of the NLDS to decide on Lynn or another option, Roberts acknowledged that was likely:
“I think so. Obviously, you play a game Saturday, you’re off Sunday, play a game Monday, you’re off Tuesday. There’s a lot of things that can happen, so there’s no need right now to certainly announce a Game 3 starter, let alone how it’s going to look. I think that’s the great thing about our pitching staff. Given usage and how it goes in Games 1 and 2, how best to take down 27 outs. That’s the conversation we’ll have on that Monday.”
Since allowing eight runs to the Miami Marlins on September 6, Lynn has given up three or fewer in four consecutive starts. However, he’s allowed at least one home run in seven consecutive outings.
Lynn’s surrendered an MLB-worst 44 home runs this season, which also ranks sixth-most all-time for a single season.
When discussing the Dodgers postseason rotation earlier this month, Roberts said he was confident in Lynn being part of the group.
What if Lance Lynn doesn’t start for Dodgers in playoffs?
If the Dodgers aren’t committed to Lynn as a starter for the NLDS, it arguably would be best for the right-hander to be left off the postseason roster for the first round.
The 36-year-old has started 19 of his 27 career playoff games, and last pitched out of the bullpen in October during the 2018 American League Division Series.
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