The Los Angeles Dodgers have a chance to clinch their ticket to the World Series, but first they have to win one more game against the New York Mets against the New York Mets in the National League Championship with their second chance at the win coming in Game 6.
The Dodgers face a tough task ahead of Game 6, and there are a few developing storylines for the game. Among those is Michael Kopech starting a bullpen game, Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux both being out of the lineup, and the Dodgers needing to make adjustments against Sean Manaea.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed those points ahead of Game 6 as they look to advance to face the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Dodgers NLCS Game 6 pregame notes
Michael Kopech starting bullpen game
Kopech was establishing himself as the Dodgers’ primary closer at the end of the season, but throughout the postseason he’s been used in a variety of roles. However, he has yet to start a game for the Dodgers and it was a role they did not envision for him even a week ago, Roberts shared.
Still, with the early part of these games being so important and the top of the Mets lineup producing last game, they felt getting ahead of things and putting out their best option to start was the best way to go.
“I think we just all felt that it’s a part of a lineup that we like Michael,” Roberts said. “He’s started games before. And just feel that it’s the best chance to put up a zero in the first inning and then move forward.”
The Dodgers may look to get multiple innings out of some of their relievers today, but with a potential Game 7 looming on Monday, that is something Roberts has to consider when making pitching decisions.
“That’s something that we’re all going to have to wait and see how the game plays out, and that will dictate that,” Roberts said. “But that’s something that certainly has to be in my mind as well, for sure.”
Freddie Freeman & Gavin Lux out of lineup
Both Freeman and Lux are out of the Dodgers lineup as they continue to recover from their respective injuries — Freeman with a sprained ankle and Lux with a hip issue. While both have been able to play through them, Roberts explained why he gave them both the day off.
“He just kind of ultimately he just felt, we felt, that giving him another day is best for him,” Roberts said of Freeman. “Potentially having him late for an at-bat but the defense. He took batting practice yesterday, felt fine. But just doesn’t feel like himself. So we just felt that potentially another day would help.
Manaea has some reverse splits against left-handers, but there was still no consideration to getting him in the lineup. Lux has also been platooned against left-handers throughout the year, and given he’s still recovering, Roberts didn’t see much upside.
“I think, it’s reverse, but I think you have to also appreciate the left-handers that do face Manaea,” Roberts said. “And Gavin hasn’t faced a lot of lefties, number one. And number two, he isn’t 100%. If we can buy him another day, I think it’s beneficial. But he’s available, and I do expect him in the game today, though.”
Adjusting to Sean Manaea
The Dodgers struggled against Manaea in Game 2, and now they need to beat him in Game 6. L.A. has had success against Manaea in the past, but the starter has reinvencted himself with new mechanics that make him more of a challenge to him.
“It’s a slot. I think the slot, you can have the same pitch mix but the characteristics are different,” Roberts explained of Manaea’s differences. “It’s more sweepy, which makes it tougher on the right-hand hitter coming in to you, versus more kind of 2 to 7 on the breaking ball. The fastball kind of has a little bit more rise than where it’s traditionally three-quarters.
“It’s just a different look, that the more familiar you get with it, the better you have a chance. But he’s kind of reinvented himself, which is very unique, especially in the middle of the season.”
Shohei Ohtani was particularly bad against the southpaw in Game 2, but Roberts believes in his superstar to get back on track and make the adjustments necessary.
“I think it’s not easy,” Roberts began. “I do think that Shohei will make that adjustment. I think that pitching in the day, ball coming out of center field, might have had something to do with it too, kind of off the hitter’s eye. The night game, I think, will be beneficial.
And also just the familiarity because it’s a funky look. But I think also Manaea made some really good pitches down and away with the fastball to Shohei. But if he makes a mistake, Sho will be ready to hit it.”
Part of the Dodgers preparation for facing Manaea was using the Trajekt pitching machine to get more looks against him, and they are hopeful that pays off.
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