Los Angeles Dodgers Turn to Clayton Kershaw in NLDS Game 4

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they will go with their ace Clayton Kershaw on short rest to start this afternoon’s must-win NLDS Game 4 against the Washington Nationals.

Facing a potential elimination game in the postseason, you turn to your ace if at all possible. The Los Angeles Dodgers, trailing the Washington Nationals two games to one in the best-of-five NLDS, will give the ball to Clayton Kershaw for this afternoon’s Game 4 on three days’ rest.

It’s really a no-brainer. When tomorrow isn’t a guarantee, everything goes on the table. Fortunately for L.A., Kershaw is no stranger to these types of situations, and he has performed admirably in the past. As MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell points out, the left-hander has started Game 4 of the NLDS on short rest in each of the past three postseasons, managing a 1.89 ERA in those outings. Last year, he held the World Series-bound Mets to one run over seven innings. The Dodgers won that game 3-1 to force a decisive Game 5.

They will certainly take the same outcome here. Kershaw appeared well on his way to perhaps one of the best campaigns by a starting pitcher ever, before a back injury forced him onto the DL in late June. He didn’t return to the mound until September 9. In five starts after being activated, Kershaw didn’t miss much of a beat, allowing just four earned runs over 28 frames (1.29 ERA) while limiting opponents to a .182/.196/.263 slash line. He finished the year with a 1.69 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and head-turning 15.64 K/BB ratio in 149 innings.

Kershaw started Game 1 of the current series against the Nationals and fell short of his very high standards, allowing three runs on eight hits through five innings of work. He did rack up seven strikeouts to one walk, however. The Dodgers will hope he pitches more like his usual dominant self this afternoon. They’ll need it, as Los Angeles starters have not provided more than five innings in any of the first three games. Kenta Maeda lasted only three frames in yesterday’s loss.

If the Dodgers’ gambit pays off and Kershaw helps them force a Game 5, Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times speculates that they could use a combination of starters to get through the deciding contest, namely rookie Julio Urias and Rich Hill:

Max Scherzer would be expected to take the ball for Washington in that game.

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But for now, the Dodgers will focus on what’s right in front of them. The Nats counter with 23-year-old Joe Ross, who posted a 3.43 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 3.21 K/BB over 105 innings in the regular season. Game 4 is set to begin at 5:00 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.