Clayton Kershaw’s final line from his start in Game 4 in the National League Division Series won’t do him any favors, but the Los Angeles Dodgers leaned on their ace on short rest to avoid being eliminated by the Washington Nationals.
Kershaw’s command waned in the seventh, and the Dodgers’ bullpen failed to protect a lead. But as they did several times throughout the season, Los Angeles mounted a rally. It culminated with Chase Utley’s go-ahead single in the eighth inning that’s forced a deciding Game 5.
Heading into Game 4, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was “all hands on deck.” That included Julio Urias, who was once the probable to start Game 4.
With one pitching decision behind them, the Dodgers now face another for Thursday’s contest at Nationals Park. The viable options are Rich Hill and Julio Urias.
“We didn’t use Julio, so it’s going to be a collection of arms. Rich is an option, obviously. But so is Julio,” Roberts said after his club’s thrilling victory.
“How we want to strategize to win Game 5, we’re going to talk through it. It’s nice now that we didn’t have to go to Julio, so he’s certainly an option. And we have some guys in the pen who didn’t pitch [Tuesday]. We’ve got some good options.”
Roberts did not commit to a starter in his postgame remarks. However, it appears likely Hill will follow in Kershaw’s footsteps and start on three days’ rest. “This is why you play,” Hill said.
“There’s no holding back or anything like that. I know it’s short rest, but physically I feel great.”
If Hill does make the start, it will be the first time in his career he takes the mound on short rest. The veteran left-hander pitched well in Game 2, save for a mistake pitch to Jose Lobaton that resulted in a go-ahead, three-run home run.
Overall, Hill allowed four runs and collected seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings. The Dodgers cautiously handled Hill in effort to avoid aggravating his blisters. That the Dodgers have Urias and Ross Stripling as long relievers to back Hill takes pressure off the 36-year-old to pitch deep into the game.
“I think the off-day is huge for us, just to reset our bullpen for Game 5,” Roberts said.
