Dodgers tab Buehler, Kershaw to open NLDS
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Sunday confirmed that Walker Buehler will start Game 1 and Clayton Kershaw will start Game 2 of the best-of-five National League Division Series against the Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, at Globe Life Field in Texas.
| Game | Date | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gm 1 | Oct. 6 | LAD 5, SD 1 | Watch |
| Gm 2 | Oct. 7 | LAD 6, SD 5 | Watch |
| Gm 3 | Oct. 8 | LAD 12, SD 3 | Watch |
Shop for postseason gear: Roberts did not commit beyond that and left open the possibility that a bulk-innings reliever would piggyback with Buehler to limit irritation to the right-hander¡¯s blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. In Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Brewers, Buehler went four innings and 73 pitches and was followed by three scoreless innings from left-hander Julio Urías, who was credited with the win.
¡°I just don¡¯t know until I know,¡± Roberts said. ¡°I think Walker¡¯s finger is in a great place. We¡¯ll keep an eye on it each inning, and he¡¯ll probably be upset when the time comes. Again, we¡¯re trying to win this start and the next series, as well, to have him pitch.¡±
If Ur¨ªas pitches in Game 1, Tony Gonsolin probably would start Game 3 and Dustin May would start Game 4, if necessary. Ur¨ªas likely would be available to pitch multiple innings in a Game 5. There will be no off-days during the series.
? Dodgers-Padres showdown amped up by these events
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Flexibility with Jansen
They had a conversation on Saturday, and Roberts said closer Kenley Jansen is open to being used earlier than the ninth inning. Jansen saved Game 1 vs. Milwaukee, but his cutter velocity was erratic. Roberts used rookie Brusdar Graterol to close Game 2 while Jansen watched from the bullpen.
Jansen threw to hitters during a Dodgers workout Saturday.
¡°I thought yesterday he threw the baseball really well,¡± said Roberts. ¡°Like I said the other day, he¡¯s our closer. But there¡¯s still opportunities that I might need him in a different inning. He¡¯s on board with whatever helps us win baseball games. It¡¯s a title, but in practice there are certain innings in certain parts of the lineup I think he¡¯s the best option. So, we¡¯ll proceed that way.¡±
Loosely translated, Dodgers management would prefer not to have one ninth-inning closer but to manage all games based on matchups. Expect more of that going forward.
¡°I think putting ourselves in that situation where I can¡¯t use him when I feel he¡¯s the best option isn¡¯t the best decision for the Dodgers right now,¡± Roberts said.
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New surroundings
With the neutral-site format, although the Dodgers earned home-field advantage and will bat last in the first two games, Roberts has taken over the clubhouse office of his former third-base coach, Rangers manager Chris Woodward.
"Nothing against my office at Dodger Stadium, but I feel like George Jefferson. I've moved on up," Roberts said of the state-of-the-art facility. ¡°This office is unbelievable; this facility is unbelievable.¡±
Roberts said Woodward left him a good-luck note. Roberts said he left Oakland A¡¯s manager Bob Melvin, who has taken over Roberts¡¯ Dodger Stadium clubhouse office, fine wine and spirits.
¡°What¡¯s mine is theirs,¡± he said.
Per COVID-19 protocols, the Dodgers and Padres are staying at the same hotel, which Roberts said was ¡°different sharing the same space.¡±
Noteworthy
? Roberts said he remains committed to keeping first baseman Max Muncy in the middle of the Dodgers¡¯ lineup, despite Muncy¡¯s season-long slump. Muncy went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and two walks in the Wild Card Series.
¡°He¡¯ll be in the middle of our lineup,¡± Roberts said. ¡°I still think the first game, taking a couple of walks. The second game, I think he took some really good swings, didn¡¯t make contact. But I feel he¡¯s seeing the baseball considerably better. I like where he¡¯s at.¡±
? Right-hander Dylan Floro, left off the Wild Card Series roster after being a key bullpen piece all season, is likely to be the pitcher added to the roster, Roberts indicated. He said other decisions, such as carrying a third catcher in Keibert Ruiz or a baserunning specialist like Terrance Gore, have not been made. Ruiz would seem the most likely, as a third catcher provides protection when Austin Barnes catches Kershaw and Will Smith serves as designated hitter.
? Outfielder Joc Pederson, whose availability for the series was uncertain because of family issues, made the trip.