UPDATE (October 9, 7:15 p.m. PT): The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers will meet in the 2022 National League Division Series. The schedule begins Tuesday, with a 6:37 p.m. PT first pitch for Game 1 at Dodger Stadium.
The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded the regular season knowing their National League Division Series opponent would be either the New York Mets or San Diego Padres, but facing a reality of needing to wait at least until Saturday for the matchup to be set.
That was delayed when the Mets forced a winner-take-all Game 3 at Citi Field. Now, New York or San Diego will have just one day off to travel to Los Angeles for the start of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.
Furthermore, both teams are facing the prospect of starting their fourth pitcher against Clayton Kershaw or Julio Urías in Game 1.
“You know, it’s one of those things where you’re careful of wishing for something because you might get it. That old adage,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered on Friday when asked if he was rooting for the Wild Card Series to go all three games.
“But I do think having the series go three games is a benefit to us, and we’ll kind of deal with who comes out of it.”
The Dodgers went 3-4 in the season series against Mets, but the two teams were essentially even with 24 runs scored by L.A., and 25 by New York.
Conversely, the Dodgers went 14-5 against the Padres this season and never lost a series. L.A. outscored San Diego 109-47 throughout the course of their matchups in 2022.
“We feel like with the depth and varied looks of our guys, that we’re going to be able to match up really well, whether we’re playing the Mets or the Padres,” Dodgers president of baseball operation Andrew Friedman said.
“It’s just about taking this time to do everything we can to make as many smart bets as we can, which in turn helps increase the chances of good fortune. Our coaching staff is already working and grinding through mainly the Mets, because we know the Padres so much better.
“Obviously we will pivot as we learn more about what happens in that series, but our coaches are very, very dialed in.”
Dodgers NLDS start times (PT) & TV info
If Mets win Wild Card Series
Game 1: Tuesday, October 11, 5:35 p.m. (FS1)
Game 2: Wednesday, October 12, 5:07 p.m. (FS1)
If Padres win Wild Card Series
Game 1: Tuesday, October 11, 6:37 p.m. (FS1)
Game 2: Wednesday, October 12, 5:37 p.m. (FS1)
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