When the Los Angeles Dodgers began their postseason run, they did so with the luxury of knowing they would open at Dodger Stadium and with their starting rotation on normal, if not extended rest.
Manager Dave Roberts predictably gave the ball to Clayton Kershaw in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, and followed it with Rich Hill in Game 2, and Yu Darvish in Game 3. If the series extend beyond that, Alex Wood was in line to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Roberts strongly stated the club would not ask Kershaw to start on short rest, which he had done in each of the past four playoffs. The same blueprint was laid out for the NL Championship Series.
Roberts reiterated Kershaw would not be called upon in Game 4. That held true, though the stance was undeniably strengthened by the Dodgers winning the first three games of the NLCS.
At the outset of the World Series beginning, Roberts once more said the Dodgers left-handed ace will not start a Game 4, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Roberts said he won't start Clayton Kershaw on short rest in Game 4, regardless of the outcomes of earlier games.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 24, 2017
Unlike their previous two series, the Dodgers find themselves facing a pivotal swing game. Though, even if Los Angeles is to trail 2-1 in the series after Friday’s Game 3, it would be unlike the team to not allow Wood to start in the non-elimination game.
Kershaw is 3-0 in four postseason starts this year, yielding a 2.96 ERA while holding opponents to a .174/.220/.419 batting line. He’s completed at least six innings in three of the outings. If there’s an area to scrutinize, it’s the seven home runs Kershaw has allowed in 24.1 innings.
That being said, he certainly was not the only pitcher susceptible to the long ball in a season that saw batters combine to shatter the MLB for most home runs hit.
