The Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals will wait to play Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Originally slated for a 1:08 p.m. PT on Saturday, the second game of the series was postponed to Sunday and a 10:08 a.m. PT start.
In explaining the decision, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said rain was expected to continue into the evening. Manfred said the remainder of the series will continue as scheduled, meaning there no longer is a travel day between Games 2 and 3.
Although the new date for Game 2 removes a previously scheduled off-day, it does afford the Dodgers bullpen with extra rest. That may be of particular need for Kenley Jansen after his five-out save in Game 1.
However, the change impacts the Dodgers’ potential plans moving forward, as using Rich Hill in a potential Game 5 would require him to start on short rest.
The league was sensitive to avoid having the starting pitchers warm up and then entering a delay on Saturday. That was of particular concern for the Dodgers and Hill.
He warmed up for a start at Coors Field, which entered a delay and eventually was postponed to the following day. Although Hill was slated to start the second game of a doubleheader, he ultimately was scratched.
The postseason start will be Hill’s second of his career. He’s slated to be opposed by Tanner Roark, who suffered a tough-luck loss to the Dodgers on June 21.
