Los Angeles Dodgers turn to Nolasco in Game 4

Since being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6^th, starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco has been adequate for his new team.

In 15 starts, Nolasco has gone 8-3 with a 3.52 ERA in 87 innings.  These stats, while better than just “adequate”, don’t paint the entire picture.

In Nolasco’s last three starts with the Dodgers, he gave up 5 earned runs, 6 earned runs, and 6 earned runs again, respectively.  That was good for a grand total of 17 earned runs in 12 innings to close out the season as a starter.

Now, the Dodgers will turn to Nolasco to start Game 4 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, and hope they get the starter from before those lackluster performances.

There had been some question as to whether the Dodgers would go with Zach Greinke in Game 4 or let it ride with Nolasco.  Well, now the world has its answer.

The move will allow Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu to all throw on regular rest – should games 6 and 7 be necessary.

The Dodgers have had impressive performances out of their top 3 starters to begin the NLCS, and will look to Nolasco to continue that trend.  If he is able to do so, it might spell trouble for the Cardinals moving forward.

St. Louis throws Lance Lynn tonight opposite Nolasco with the Cardinals holding a 2-1 Series advantage..