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This Day In Dodgers History: Charlie Culberson Walk-Off Home Run Clinches NL West In Vin Scully’s Final Home Game

Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Charlie Culberson celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run to clinch the NL West

This day in Los Angeles Dodgers history saw Charlie Culberson hit a walk-off home run to clinch the 2016 National League West title during Vin Scully’s final game at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 25, 2016.

The Dodgers went into the series finale against the Colorado Rockies in control of their own destiny in the NL West.They additionally were in position to clinch a fourth consecutive division title if the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants.

Colorado took a 2-0 lead in the third inning before L.A. managed to tie the game in the seventh on Corey Seager’s RBI triple. Still deadlocked at 2-2, Kenley Jansen entered in the ninth inning, only to surrender a go-ahead home run to David Dahl.

Seager delivered a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth. That essentially put the Dodgers in a race against the Padres, who were nearing a victory that would eliminate the Giants from potentially winning the NL West.

That’s when Culberson’s heroics created for one of the most memorable moments in Dodger Stadium history. Making it all the more improbable was the home run was Culberson’s first — and only — of the 2016 season, and his first since 2014.

Culberson was mobbed by teammates after rounding the bases as the NL West celebration, complete with t-shirts and caps, began. As the players gathered in front of home plate, they turned to tip their caps and salute Scully in the broadcast booth.

Scully thanked the Dodgers and the Dodger Stadium crowd, and had an audio recording of himself singing “Wind Beneath My Wings” play before walking out of his home booth for a final time. Scully’s call of Culberson’s walk-off home run won an Esurance Award later that winter.

Scully’s broadcasting career came to an end at then-AT&T Park in San Francisco, where he was honored by the Giants organization.

Meanwhile, The Dodgers became the first team in NL West history to win four straight division titles, which was also was a franchise record. Dave Roberts additionally joined Tommy Lasorda (1977) as the only rookie managers to lead the Dodgers to a division title.

Roberts went on to become the only manager in MLB history to guide his team to a division title in each of his first four seasons at the helm.

Koufax strikeout record on this day in Dodgers history

On Sept. 26, 1965, Sandy Koufax broke Bob Feller’s MLB record of 348 strikeouts in a season, when he recorded 12 in a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Koufax followed that with 13 more in his next start and finished the 1965 season with 382 strikeouts.

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Top Dodgers Moments Of The Decade: No. 3, Charlie Culberson Sends Vin Scully Out in Style

Vin-scully-8

Charlie Culberson hit a walk-off home run that secured the National League West title for the Los Angeles Dodgers (their fourth in a row) — and yet, this moment had little to do with either of those two things.

You see, Sept. 25, 2016, was the final game that Vin Scully would call from his press box at Dodger Stadium. And to anyone who grew up with Scully, you understand when we say this meant something more.

Of course, the game-winning home run seemed to be the only appropriate way to send off a legend, not to mention that the blow was delivered by the type of player that Scully loved to tell stories about.

Culberson turned pro in 2007 after being taken by the San Francisco Giants with pick No. 51. His MLB debut didn’t come until 2012 — and it didn’t last long, as he played in just six games before leaving the Giants for good at the end of the season.

In 2013 and 2014, Culberson played in 142 games for the Rockies before missing out on the majors for the entirety of the 2015 season.

In 2016 he was added by the Dodgers, but played 70 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City before being called up for the stretch run. In 34 games for the Dodgers, his on-base percentage was below .300 and his slugging percentage was a miserable .374.

But, Culberson did have one home run — and boy was it a big one.

After Kenley Jansen gave up a run in the ninth inning that allowed the Rockies to take a 3-2 lead, Corey Seager tied it in the bottom of the ninth. Then in the 10th inning, with two outs and an 0-1 count, Culberson took Boone Logan deep into the left field seats, setting off an emotional celebration across Los Angeles.

From the legend himself:

“Swung on…a high fly ball to deep left field…the Dodger bench clears…would you believe a home run? And the Dodgers have clinched the division and will celebrate on schedule!” 

After celebrating the win — and the NL West title — the team took a moment to turn toward the press box and honor Scully with a tip of their caps. Scully then thanked Dodger fans and left the press box after a recording of “The Wind Beneath My Wings” played throughout the stadium.

For anyone who had grown accustomed to the audio perfection Scully delivered night-in and night-out, the moment was an emotional one — like saying goodbye to a lifelong friend.

And that is why this was the No. 3 moment of the previous decade.

Top Dodgers moments of the previous decade

No. 4: Justin Turner’s walk-off home run in Game 2 of the 2017 NLCS

No. 5: Rookies combine to set MLB record

No. 6: Max Muncy’s walk-off home run ends longest World Series game in MLB history

No. 7: Yasiel Puig’s MLB debut against San Diego Padres in 2013

No. 8: Juan Uribe hits a game-winning home run against Atlanta Braves in 2013 NLDS

No. 9: Dodgers clinch NL West title in 2013

No. 10: Adrian Gonzalez hits home run in first at-bat with Dodgers

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This Day In Dodgers History: Charlie Culberson Clinches NL West With Walk-Off Home Run In Vin Scully’s Final Home Game

Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Charlie Culberson celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run to clinch the NL West

Charlie Culberson memorably hit a walk-off home run against the Colorado Rockies to help the Los Angeles Dodgers clinch what was a fourth consecutive National League West title on Sept. 25, 2016, but the game at Dodger Stadium meant much more.

That afternoon represented the final home game Vin Scully would be on the call for. From there the Dodgers were set to finish the regular season with six road games; the curtain on Scully’s illustrious career was closing at then-AT&T Park in San Francisco.

The Dodgers went into their series finale with the Rockies in complete control of their own destiny in the NL West. However, they additionally were in position to clinch if the San Diego Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants.

Colorado took a 2-0 lead in the third inning before L.A. managed to tie the game in the seventh inning on Corey Seager’s RBI triple. Still deadlocked at 2-2, Kenley Jansen entered in the ninth, only to surrender a home run to David Dahl.

Seager then delivered once more for the Dodgers, clubbing a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. From there the Dodgers were essentially in a race against the Padres, who were nearing a victory that would eliminate the Giants from potentially winning the NL West.

That’s when Culberson’s heroics created for one of the more special moments in Dodger Stadium history. Making all the more improbable was the home run was Culberson’s first — and only — of the 2016 season, and his first since 2014.

He was surrounded by teammates after rounding the bases as the NL West celebration, complete with t-shirts and caps, began. As the players gathered in front of home plate, they all turned up to tip their caps and salute Scully in the broadcast booth.

Scully thanked the Dodgers and the Dodger Stadium crowd, and had an audio recording of him singing “Wind Beneath My Wings” play before walking out of his home booth for a final time. Scully’s call of Culberson’s walk-off home run won an Esurance Award later that winter.

The Dodgers became the first team in NL West history to win four straight division titles, which was also was a franchise record. Dave Roberts additionally joined Tommy Lasorda (1977) as the only rookie managers to lead the Dodgers to a division title.

Roberts has since become the only manager in MLB history to guide his team to a division title in each of his first four seasons at the helm.

2018 NLDS: Braves’ Charlie Culberson Believes Dodgers Remain Similar To His Time With Team

Charlie Culberson, Yasiel Puig, 2018 NLDS

The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers meeting in the National League Division Series not only meant their first postseason matchup since 2013, but it was all the more intriguing because of last winter’s trade.

DRESS LIKE THE PLAYERS IN OUR EXCLUSIVE ‘WORLD SERIES ATTITUDE’ SHIRT

With both clubs looking to shed salary, the Braves and Dodgers came to terms on a five-player trade last December. Matt Kemp returned to the organization that drafted him, while the Braves received Charlie Culberson, Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy.

Kemp went on to have an All-Star season for the Dodgers, but for the Braves, the deal has essentially only netted them Culberson. Gonzalez was immediately released, Kazmir was cut in Spring Training, and McCarthy last pitched in June and is set to retire.

Culberson not only resides as the Braves’ last standing piece from the trade, he’s playing an important role for the club as injury forced them to leave Dansby Swanson off the NLDS roster. Atlanta went into Game 3 needing a win to stave off elimination.

They jumped out to a 5-0 lead and hung on for a win against a Dodgers team that didn’t storm out to the best record in baseball like they did in 2017 but nonetheless remain a talented group. “Not many differences,” Culberson said when asked to compare the team to the one he was part of last season.

“They’re still a good ballclub. Being over there parts of two years, experiencing a couple of postseasons in that clubhouse, they have the same goals in mind as we do. They want to win a World Series, and with them coming up one game short last year, I think they have even an extra chip on their shoulder. They have a great staff, great pitching staff. Great offense. They still look like the same team. That’s how I see them.”

Culberson appeared in just 49 games for the Dodgers over parts of two seasons, but he’s forever tied to the franchise’s history. Culberson’s walk-off home run in 2016 clinched the NL West title on what was Vin Scully’s final home game.

Culberson then filled in admirably for Corey Seager in the 2017 NL Championship Series, and remained on the active roster even when the Dodgers’ starting shortstop returned for the World Series.

Fond as the memories may be, the Georgia native is focused on solving his former teammates. “We’ve been here before in a situation where we’ve had to win. We’ve had losing streaks and we’ve come back big and went on winning streaks,” Culberson said.

“It’s win or go home, and everybody knows that. There’s not much talking about what we have to do. Everybody knows that we have to come in here and play better than them and score some runs and score more than they do. So we understand that.”

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2018 NLDS: Brian Snitker Deems Charlie Culberson Braves’ MVP

Charlie Culberson, Braves

The Atlanta Braves officially announced their roster for the National League Division Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, opting to carry 12 pitchers compared to 13 position players.

Among the most notable omissions is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who still is recovering from a torn ligament in his left hand. Expected to receive a boost in playing time as a result is utility man Charlie Culberson.

In his first season with Atlanta, Culberson continued to shine with an increased workload, appearing in a career-high 113 games during the regular season. “He’s probably been arguably maybe our most valuable player,” Braves manager Brian Snitker opined prior to Game 1.

“I mean [Ronald] Acuna hurt his knee for a month and Charlie filled in in left field. Ozzie [Albies] had a little hamstring tightness coming out of the break, and he performed there. He’s had some big pinch hits. I mean, you know, he’s the one guy on our team that a lot of guys were going to because he’s had the most recent experience in the playoffs.

The 29-year-old, in the midst of a career year with the Braves, filled a similar role for the Dodgers last season. With Corey Seager unable to suit up for the 2017 NL Championship Series, Culberson netted three starts at shortstop in five contests against the Chicago Cubs.

Culberson displayed his value on both sides of the ball, hitting .455/.417/.818 across 13 plate appearances. He followed up that success in the World Series, adding three hits and a home run in five opportunities against the Houston Astros.

“He’s been great for us,” Snitker added. “My God, that’s been a really good acquisition for us, because he’s so professional, stays ready. And it doesn’t bother him wherever. You know he pitched an inning and he threw really good. He stays prepared and he’s a total pro. And we’re very fortunate to have him.”

Culberson offers valuable guidance to a relatively young Braves team. Of the club’s 25-man NLDS roster, only 12 players have previous postseason experience.

In terms of on-field performance, Culberson enjoyed a breakout campaign to the tune of a .270/.326/.446 slash line during the regular season, tallying a personal-best 18 doubles, 12 home runs and 45 RBI to boot.

Similar to the defensive versatility Kiké Hernandez provides the Dodgers, Culberson moves all around the diamond and appeared at eight different positions for the Braves this season.

While he didn’t catch behind home plate, the Georgia native managed to log his first career Major League inning on the mound.

Dodgers News: Charlie Culberson Thanks Organization And Fans

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a bit of a surprising trade on Saturday, as they acquired a familiar face in Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, Charlie Culberson and cash considerations.

The move was made not to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder in Kemp, who is likely to be traded or released in the near future, but instead with the intention of shedding salary to get below the luxury tax threshold in 2018.

Los Angeles freed themselves of over $45 million in the form of expiring contracts of Gonzalez, McCarthy and Kazmir. Meanwhile, Culberson figures to have the best opportunity to make an impact for the Braves.

He became a Dodger hero and fan favorite in his short time with the organization, beginning with a walk-off home run to clinch the National League West in Vin Scully’s final home game.

The 28-year-old is now getting an opportunity to play for his hometown Braves, but first he took to Twitter to thank the Dodgers organization and fans:

“To the Dodgers Front Office, coaches, teammates, and thw Great Fans, my family and I thank you ALL for the last two years. You guys made mus feel like family and we will always be grateful for that. So many wonderful memories and relationships were made along the way. The Los Angeles Dodgers are a class act and anyone is lucky to play for them.

Bittersweet to be traded to a team I grew up watching as a little kid. I will always work hard and always have fun playing a game that I love. Here is to our next journey and playing for the Braves! #ChopOn”

While Culberson didn’t join the Dodgers until September as a call-up once active rosters expanded, he unexpectedly was forced into the spotlight. A back injury prevented Corey Seager from being included on the Dodgers’ roster for the NL Championship Series.

Culberson went 5-for-11 with two doubles, one triple and one RBI in five games (three starts) against the Chicago Cubs. While Seager returned, Culberson remained active for the World Series. He was 3-for-5 with one home run in five games (one start).

Culberson hit .275/.301/.363 in 83 games over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.

Dodgers 2017 Player Review: Charlie Culberson

Charlie Culberson made a name for himself in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in the last home game of the 2016 season when he hit a walk-off home run in extra innings against the Colorado Rockies to clinch the National League West in what was Vin Scully’s last game at Dodger Stadium.

But before the 2017 season, Culberson was outrighted to the minors and removed from the 40-man roster, so he spent the 2017 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he hit .250/.299/.336 with four home runs and 32 RBIs in 104 games.

At the conclusion of the Triple-A season, the 28-year-old utilityman became a September call-up of the Dodgers to provide depth off the bench.

In 11 games he went just 2-for-13 (.154 batting average) with two walks and an RBIs. It looked as if his season was over when he was left off the NL Division Series roster.

But a back injury to shortstop Corey Seager causing him to miss the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs, opening a roster spot for Culberson, who made the most of his opportunity.

Culberson went 5-for-11 (.455 batting average) with two doubles and a triple against the Cubs, while also playing flawless shortstop, becoming one of the unsung heroes of the series and a big part of why the Dodgers advanced to their first World Series since 1988.

Despite Seager returning for the World Series, Culberson’s play in the NLCS earned himself a spot on the World Series roster, and again he continued to play at a high level, recording three hits in five at-bats, including a big extra-inning home run in Game 2 against the Houston Astros that brought the Dodgers within one run, although they still ended up losing the game.

2017 Highlight:

Every kid growing up dreams of playing in the World Series and hitting a home run, and Culberson, a guy who has been through so much on a baseball field since being drafted in 2007, got to live out that dream in Game 2 against the Astros.

With his team trailing 7-5 in the 11th inning, Culberson came up with his team down to its final out and no one on base. He launched the second pitch he saw from Chris Devenski into the left field bleachers, and he proceeded to do something he rarely does on the field: show emotion.

The home run didn’t tie the game and the Dodgers went on to lose 7-6, but it was easy to see how special that moment was to Culberson as he pointed to his family in the stands after crossing home plate.

2018 Outlook:

Culberson currently holds a spot on the 40-man roster, which could change at some point this offseason. But if it doesn’t then he will again provide the Dodgers depth in the 2018 season, spending time with both OKC and the Dodgers.

Depending on the moves the Dodgers make this offseason, Culberson will likely be battling for the utilityman spot on the big league roster this spring.

2017 World Series: Dallas Keuchel Critical Of Charlie Culberson’s Reaction To Game 2 Home Run

Combining to hit a World Series record eight home runs, the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers played one of the most thrilling postseason games in MLB history. Of the home runs hit, five came in extra innings.

Marwin Gonzalez’s homer, which tied the game, came against Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning. It was the first to tie a World Series game for the road team in the ninth inning or later since Dwight Evans in Game 3 of 1975 Series.

After George Springer’s two-run homer off Brandon McCarthy in the 11th gave the Astros a second two-run lead in extra innings, the Dodgers responded yet again.

Down to their final out, Charlie Culberson took Chris Devenski deep and cut the deficit to a run. Culberson flung his arms out as he rounded third base and he pointed into the stands after crossing home plate.

Culberson’s celebration drew the ire of Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, who accused the reserve infielder of acting as though the Dodgers had won the World Series on his home run, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:

On the FOX broadcast, play-by-play man Joe Buck speculated Culberson was not aware of the score. Analyst John Smoltz was inclined to side with his television partner.

Following the Dodgers’ stunning loss, Culberson told reporters he was fully cognizant of the situation, and his reaction was a byproduct of being overcome by adrenaline. His pointing was to his parents and wife who were in attendance.

It should be noted multiple Astros players had similar displays of emotion and excitement to hitting their respective home runs en route to a Game 2 win.

The home run was Culberson’s first of the postseason. He was a surprise inclusion on the Dodgers roster for the National League Championship Series, and he remained active because of Corey Seager coming off a lower back sprain.

Culberson is 6-for-13 with two doubles, one triple, one home run and two RBI in seven playoff games (three starts) this year.

Exploring Whether Charlie Culberson Should Be Included On Dodgers’ World Series Roster

When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced their roster for the National League Championship Series, few could have imagined that just five games later we’d be talking about the World Series roster.

Even fewer could have guessed that Charlie Culberson played a sizable role in making it happen. In 11 plate appearances against the Chicago Cubs, Culberson went 5-for-11 with two doubles, two runs and an RBI, while playing the stellar defense many did expect from him.

So with Seager set to be added to the Dodgers’ roster for the World Series, what does that mean for Culberson?

The truth is there are a number of moving pieces at work here, so let’s explore the arguments for Culberson remaining on the roster, as well as the arguments against his inclusion.

Arguments for Culberson’s inclusion

While obviously a small sample size, Culberson’s NLCS performance speaks for itself. This is someone who isn’t afraid of the big moment. Not that the Dodgers are short on right-handed bats, but given Kyle Farmer’s performance (0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a sacrifice fly) thus far, it’s fair to wonder whether Culberson’s bat is more desirable.

Even ignoring which side a player hits from, would you really rather have Curtis Granderson (1-for-15 with eight strikeouts) in any situation?

Men's Los Angeles Dodgers Chris Taylor & Justin Turner Fanatics Branded Royal 2017 National League Champions Co-MVP T-Shirt
Men’s Los Angeles Dodgers Chris Taylor & Justin Turner Fanatics Branded Royal 2017 National League Champions Co-MVP T-Shirt
from: MLBShop.com

The final thing to consider — and probably the most forceful argument for inclusion — is just how healthy Seager really is. While the Dodgers will want his bat on the bench no matter what, isn’t it possible he’s not healthy enough to log nine innings for at least four more games?

Or that after a game or two, he might lose the strength to be anything more than a pinch-hitter?

Arguments against Culberson’s inclusion

Where does he play? Seager would likely never come off the field (if healthy), and the Dodgers presumably will already have two other second basemen on the roster in Logan Forsythe and Chase Utley.

Add in the fact that the team carried eight right-handed bats on the NLCS roster (and only five lefties), and it’s not as if the team is in desperate need of a right-handed department.

There’s also the sample-size thing. There’s a reason Culberson saw only 13 Major-League at-bats this season. He was 2-for-13 with four strikeouts, and is just not known for his bat.

Another hurdle is the simple numbers crunch. The Dodgers carried 13 position players in the NLDS (pre-Seager-injury) and upped that number to 14 with the loss of Seager.

It seems reasonable to assume that in a series like the one upcoming, and the way they like to utilize the bullpen, the Dodgers might opt for one less bat in favor of another arm. That would mean Culberson needs to beat out two other hitters for a spot on the World Series roster.

So, what’s the verdict? As much as I love the story of Culberson’s journey, and as much as I’d prefer to have him on the roster than Farmer or Granderson, I just don’t see the Dodgers going down that road.

They value having three catchers, and manager Dave Roberts has what seems to be a nonsensical trust in veterans such as Granderson.

Dodgers News: Charlie Culberson Focused On Remaining In The Moment During NLCS Opportunity

Charlie Culberson was thrust into the spotlight Saturday, first unexpectedly replacing Corey Seager on the National League Championship Roster, then starting at shortstop and batting eighth against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1.

Culberson, who spent the first five months of the regular season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, had last played on Oct. 1 when he entered off the bench, and his last start was Sept. 23. So it was fitting the 28-year-old found himself batting in a crucial situation.

Jose Quintana got ahead in the count 0-2, but Culberson lifted the third pitch of the at-bat into left field for a sacrifice fly that tied the game. “A little emotions running through me before the start of the game, but it was a lot of fun,” Culberson said.

“I’m glad to be here. Just taking it one pitch at a time and trying not to do too much. I’m glad that I could contribute.”

In no way are the Dodgers expecting Culberson to fill the void in production created by Seager’s absence. The team has stressed a collective approach in each of the past two seasons and embodied that when marquee players were lost to injury.

“Corey Seager is a big part of this organization. Everybody knows that, I know it too,” Culberson said. “I’m just one guy, I’m going to go out there and try to do my best, and prepare myself like I’m playing a regular baseball game.”

Culberson was among the handful of players who remained with the Dodgers throughout the NL Division Series, but his work began before that. “Honestly, I started trying to prepare for the postseason as if they needed me for anything,” Culberson explained.

“Whether it was just to be activated or to fill in, I tried to mentally prepare myself like I was going to prepare every day. And it wasn’t going to be too much of a shock if I were activated and start.”

Now that the opportunity has arrived, the versatile infielder is soaking in the experience. “Just having fun, taking in the moment, trying to relax and play some baseball,” Culberson said.

Dodgers Add Joc Pederson, Charlie Culberson To NLCS Roster; Corey Seager Not Included

Joc-pederson-5

The Los Angeles Dodgers had unexpected change from the National League Division Series to the NL Championship Series, as Corey Seager was not included on the roster for the best-of-seven series with the Chicago Cubs.

Seager had been dealing with back tightness throughout the week, or a “muscle thing,” as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts referred to it on Friday. Roberts nonetheless expressed optimism Seager would be in the lineup for Game 1.

Along with not including the All-Star shortstop, the Dodgers also left Pedro Baez off the NLCS roster. There was some thought Luis Avilan would return from shoulder inflammation, but that did not occur.

Instead, additions are Charlie Culberson and Joc Pederson, who were part of the Dodgers’ travel squad during the NLDS.

A complete breakdown of the Dodgers’ 2017 NLCS roster included below. Players are listed alphabetically in each position group.

Starting pitchers (4): Yu Darvish, Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood

Relief pitchers (7): Tony Cingrani, Josh Fields, Kenley Jansen, Kenta Maeda, Brandon Morrow, Ross Stripling, Tony Watson

Catchers (3): Austin Barnes, Kyle Farmer, Yasmani Grandal

Infielders (5): Cody Bellinger, Charlie Culberson, Logan Forsythe, Justin Turner, Chase Utley

Outfielders (6): Andre Ethier, Curtis Granderson, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Chris Taylor

The Dodgers have 13 holdovers from last year’s NLCS roster that forced the Cubs to a Game 6. That group consists of: Andre Ethier, Josh Fields, Yasmani Grandal, Kiké Hernandez, Rich Hill, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Yasiel Puig, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner, Chase Utley and Alex Wood.

It’s possible the team may put a player on the disabled list during the series in order to to activate Seager. But that of course is dependent on the severity of Seager’s back injury. Roberts did indicate Seager was receiving treatment and recovering each day.

What’s more, removing a player from injury during the NLCS would render them ineligible for the World Series. And that would raise red flags with the league over potential DL manipulation.

The Cubs also elected for 14 position players and 11 pitchers on their NLCS roster. The lone change from the NLDS was replacing left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson with right-handed reliever Hector Rondon.

Preview: Charlie Culberson Makes 2017 Debut, Dodgers Get Another Look At Diamondbacks

Charlie-culberson

The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a seven-game homestand on Labor Day in another matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who enter the series on a season-high 10-game winning streak. The Dodgers and Houston Astros each had 11-game winning streaks this season, while the Cleveland Indians have rattled off an MLB-best 12 games in a row.

The last time Rich Hill was on the mound he surrendered six runs on eight hits to the Diamondbacks in just 3.2 innings pitched at Chase Field. Five of the runs came in the first inning when the Diamondbacks had three extra-base hits.

Prior to that outing, Hill threw nine no-hit innings only to suffer a loss on a walk-off home run in the 10th inning. In three starts against the Diamondbacks this season, Hill is 0-2 with a 5.93 ERA.

Overall this season, he’s 9-6 with a 3.71 ERA, 3.95 FIP and 1.18 WHIP, including a 5-3 record and 3.17 ERA at home.

If the Dodgers are to snap the Diamondbacks’ winning streak they’ll need to solve Robbie Ray. He struck out 10 and limited Los Angeles to just one run on four hits over 6.2 innings in last week’s game.

Ray has double-digit strikeouts in three of his four starts against the Dodgers this season, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in those games. Ray this season is 11-5 with a 2.97 ERA, 3.86 FIP and 1.19 WHIP in 22 starts.

Charlie Culberson has joined the Dodgers and starts at shortstop in place of Corey Seager, who is in the process of completing a throwing program. Culberson batted .250/.299/.336 with 13 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 32 RBI over 108 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

He hit .299/.309/.388 with three doubles, one home run and seven RBI in 29 games with the Dodgers last season. Culberson has never faced Ray in his career.

Kiké Hernandez, who is starting in left field, is a lifetime 7-for-23 with one double, one triple, three home runs and five RBI off the southpaw. Chris Taylor is 7-for-13 with two doubles and one walk.

A.J. Pollock (home run), Brandon Drury (double) and David Peralta (triple) did the bulk of the damage against Hill last week. Paul Goldschmidt is not with the Diamondbacks as he returned to Arizona to undergo an MRI on his sore elbow.

Dodgers lineup:

CF: Chris Taylor
LF: Kiké Hernandez
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Cody Bellinger
C: Austin Barnes
RF: Yasiel Puig
2B: Logan Forsythe
SS: Charlie Culberson
P: Rich Hill

Diamondbacks lineup:

LF: David Peralta
SS: Kristopher Negron
CF: A.J. Pollock
RF: J.D. Martinez
2B: Brandon Drury
3B: Jake Lamb
1B: Adam Rosales
C: Chris Herrmann
P: Robbie Ray