NLCS: Will Clayton Kershaw pitch Game 5 vs Cubs?
The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are tied 2-2 in the NLCS, but will Clayton Kershaw pitch in Game 5 for LA?
In Games 2 and 3 of the NLCS, the Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Chicago Cubs. Despite the big bats boasted by the NL Central Champions, both Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill quieted them. Subsequently, the Dodgers were able to take a 2-1 lead heading into Wednesday night’s Game 4. However, the Cubs bats came alive to the tune of 10 runs, thus evening the series at 2-2 with Game 5 on Thursday night.
Clearly Game 5 is going to be a pivotal matchup in the series. The winner will take a 3-2 lead heading back to Chicago for Game 6 and a potential Game 7. Subsequently, you’d imagine that both managers would want their best available starting pitchers on the mound for Game 5. That, of course, begs the question of if Dodgers manager Dave Roberts would start Kershaw.
Prior to the first pitch of Game 4 on Wednesday, though, Roberts stated that it would be Kenta Maeda starting Game 5 for the Dodgers. Thus, Kershaw would get a normal rest before starting Game 6 for the Dodgers.
On the surface, it’s an understandable decision by Roberts. After all, Kershaw has seen an unusually large workload. He came in as a pseudo-closer in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals before starting Game 2 of the NLCS. Thus, you can see why the Dodgers would want to give him as much rest as possible.
However, it might also be a case of Roberts outsmarting himself and being too passive in the postseason.
Next: NLCS Game 4 recap: Cubs shellack Dodgers, even series
As stated, Game 5 is going to be crucial in deciding the outcome of the NLCS. If the Dodgers win, they only have to steal one more game on the road to advance to the World Series. However, a loss would put them in a position where they must win both games at Wrigley Field to stay alive. Consequently, it would make sense to put your best arm on the mound. Obviously, that’s Clayton Kershaw.
Instead, Kershaw will be in the dugout watching rather than being on the mound. We shall see if that decision works out or if it comes back to haunt Roberts and the Dodgers.