With the National League Championship Series in full swing, the Los Angeles Dodgers have set their rotation for the upcoming games.
Manager Dave Roberts announced that Tyler Glasnow will be the starter for Game 3, while Shohei Ohtani will take the ball in Game 4, thus maintaining the four-man rotation scheme that the team used in the NLDS.
Glasnow set for Game 3 on regular rest
Roberts explained that Glasnow is on his normal rest cycle, which makes him the logical choice to start the third game; the right-hander already had a solid performance in the Division Series and will look to repeat his dominance against Milwaukee.
Ohtani strategically reserved for Game 4
Although Ohtani last pitched in Game 3 of the NLDS, the Dodgers decided to give him more rest, which not only benefits him physically, but also leaves him available for a possible relief appearance in a hypothetical Game 4 if the series is extended.
Ohtani’s performance in October
In his only start this postseason, Ohtani worked six innings in the win over the Phillies, allowing three runs and striking out nine, proving that his arm is still a threat even after his recovery.
A dominant playoff rotation
So far, the Dodgers starters have been the backbone of the team in October, with a collective ERA of 1.65, a WHIP of 0.76 and an opponents’ batting average of just .141, figures that lead among the teams still in competition.
The bullpen, the weak point to be covered
Despite the dominance of the starters, the bullpen has been inconsistent, with a 5.91 ERA and 1.92 WHIP so far in the postseason, so Roberts’ strategy is to minimize their exposure by keeping the starters on the mound as long as possible.
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