After using starting pitchers on short rest in back-to-back games, and bringing Clayton Kershaw back for a save opportunity, the Los Angeles Dodgers now hand the ball to Kenta Maeda, who’s failed to pitch more than three innings in his past three starts.
Saturday’s start against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series will be the second of the postseason for Maeda. He struggled in Game 3 of the NL Division Series, allowing four runs and one home run in three innings, suffering the loss.
Truth be told, Maeda hasn’t been particularly effective since facing the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 21.
The 28-year-old is aware of that and hoping to break the trend. “Last time around I couldn’t really pitch the way I wanted to,” Maeda said through an interpreter prior to Friday’s workout.
The Dodgers struggled to get consistent length from their starters during the NLDS. It’s not Maeda’s strong suit, but he’s looking to buck the trend.
“We’ve been relying a lot on our relief pitchers to take the load, so I’m really just focused on throwing quality innings as long as I can,” he said. “And as long as I keep throwing quality innings, then I would be able to throw longer and deeper into the game. So that’s what I’m really focused on.”
As for following in what Hill and Kershaw did for the Dodgers, it’s providing Maeda with further motivation to right his ship. “Definitely watching the last two games where Rich had to pitch on three days of rest and Kershaw pitching in relief it definitely motivated me to work hard this time around,” he said.
“Watching Kershaw pitch in the Division Series is definitely something that is, it’s unbelievable what he has done. It made me realize how great of a pitcher he is.”
Maeda did not pitch at Wrigley Field or face the Cubs during the regular season. Cubs manager Joe Maddon dismissed concern over the unfamiliarity, and Maeda’s struggles. “You know, it just is going to depend on how sharp he is,” Maddon said.
“If you look at the more recent game logs, I know he hasn’t pitched more deeply into the game. However, of course he’s capable of that. … If he is making pitches, regardless if you’ve seen him five times or zero times, he’s going to be difficult.”
Aside from his current rough stretch, Maeda seemingly answered the bell each time for the Dodgers this season. He led the team in starts (32), innings pitched (175.2) and strikeouts (179). Manager Dave Roberts gave Maeda a vote of confidence on Friday.
“I think he’s a guy that, he’s not scared, and I think that it’s just about execution. I think that, for him, I don’t think it’s a nerves issue,” Roberts said. “And as far as the scouting, he’ll be prepared and I expect him to throw better than he has the last three times he’s taken the ball.”
