The Los Angeles Dodgers held a National League Division Series workout at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night as they began preparations for their first-round postseason matchup that begins Saturday.
While the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Michael Grove, Chris Taylor and rest of the roster — including hopefuls — were going through drills on the field, the NL Wild Card Series matchups began with their respective Game 1.
The Dodgers are primarily focused on the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers series, which began with an upset. Should the Diamondbacks win again on Wednesday, that would punch their ticket for an NLDS matchup with the Dodgers.
In the video shared by the Dodgers on social media, Taylor notably appeared to be a full participant. He was taken out of the season finale early due to being hit by a pitch in the left knee.
#NLDS prep. pic.twitter.com/y5McWbuH0k
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2023
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Thomas Albert checked on Taylor, who initially remained in the game. However, he was removed after playing one additional inning in the field. The Dodgers announced he exited with a left knee contusion, though Roberts said after the win he didn’t anticipate Taylor having any trouble moving forward.
With Taylor and Miguel Rojas, who was also hit by a pitch, on track to be active for the NLDS, the Dodgers postseason roster is largely set on the position player side. The final question or two are with the bullpen, which is related to whether the Dodgers will elect to carry three or four starting pitchers.
Clayton Kershaw is expected to start Game 1, and Bobby Miller will likely follow him in Game 2 on Monday. Ryan Pepiot and Lance Lynn are the presumed candidates for Game 3.
Roberts said last week he recently spoke with Lynn about his possible postseason role not being set.
The next Dodgers NLDS workout is Wednesday, which is going to be open for select season ticket holders to attend.
Dodgers NLDS schedule
Saturday, Oct. 7: Game 1, Dodger Stadium
Monday, Oct. 9: Game 2, Dodger Stadium
Wednesday, Oct. 11: Game 3, TBD
Thursday, Oct. 12: Game 4*, TBD
Saturday, Oct. 14: Game 5*, Dodger Stadium
All start times are still to be determined
*if necessary
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