Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Discusses Starting Rotation For NLCS

The Dodgers will find out their NLCS opponent tonight as the Cardinals and Pirates will play Game 5 of their NLDS series, but manager Don Mattingly is already looking at his roster for Friday.

If the Cardinals win, the Dodgers will travel to St. Louis for Games 1 and 2 while a Pirates victory would give the Dodgers home field advantage and a home date at Dodger Stadium on Friday.



This morning, Mattingly talked to Dan Patrick on his morning radio show and discussed what he’s planning on for his rotation in the NLCS:

Greinke Game 1 and then Kersh Game 2 and then we’ll have discussions on Game 3. It may depend on who we play and we’ll look over the roster this afternoon.

Hyun-Jin Ryu started Game 3 against the Braves and scheduled Game 4 starter Ricky Nolasco was skipped over in favor of Clayton Kershaw in the NLDS.

However, the Dodgers rookie struggled in his first career postseason start as he only lasted three innings, allowing four runs on six hits. In his first season, Ryu was considerably better at Dodger Stadium, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.32 ERA, but there are concerns that he’s injured.

Meanwhile, Nolasco hasn’t pitched since September 29, but that was just a one inning tune up before the playoffs started. In September, Nolasco was 2-2 with a 6.66 ERA and his performance down the stretch made it easier for the coaching staff to go with Kershaw in Game 4 of the NLDS.

However, in a seven-game series, the Dodgers will need both Ryu and Nolasco to pitch well, but it’ll be interesting to see if the staff decides to add an extra pitcher (Edinson Volquez) in favor of a position player (Dee Gordon).

The Dodgers will hold a workout at Dodger Stadium today so there’s a chance that Mattingly discusses his roster and pitching staff plans for the NLCS.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

In case you missed it, here’s the home run that sent the Dodgers to the NLCS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJgp8vkSa3k

Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button