Diamondbacks’ Manager Torey Lovullo Gives Options For Game One Starter
The Diamondbacks beat the Rockies on Wednesday with a final score of 11-8 and will move on to the NLDS to face the Dodgers. Everybody knows that Los Angeles is sending out Clayton Kershaw for game one, but now the game one starter for Arizona is up in the air. Originally many assumed it would be Robbie Ray, but those plans changed when Ray pitched 2.1 innings in the Wild Card Game.
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times tweeted after the game that Diamondbacks’ manager Torey Lovullo had not decided who would start game one. However, he did say that it’s between Taijuan Walker, Zack Godley, and Pat Corbin. He also noted that Zack Greinke or Robbie Ray could start game two on short rest.
Lovullo: Taijuan Walker or Zack Godley or Pat Corbin will face Kershaw in Game 1 of NLDS. Ray and Greinke "candidates" for Game 2.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 5, 2017
Taijuan Walker has started three games against the Dodgers this year and has done well, other than a start back in April where he gave up four runs in 5.2 innings. His last start in the beginning of September, when the Dodgers were struggling, Walker went six innings and allowed just one run on four hits. Out of all of the potential pitchers that Lovullo listed as potential game one starters, Walker has done the best.
Other than a start in early July where he went 5.2 innings and gave up one run, Zack Godley has not done too well against Los Angeles. Godley gave up a combined seven runs in his last two starts against the Dodgers, including four home runs. Many Dodgers have hit Godley well this year, with Yasmani Grandal’s 4-8 against him leading the pack. Yasiel Puig (1), Chris Taylor (1), and Justin Turner (2) have all gone yard against him as well.
Lastly, Pat Corbin has struggled this year against the Dodgers in his two starts. He has a total of 10.2 innings of work against Los Angeles where he gave up eight runs on 16 hits. Some Dodgers who have hit Godley well are Logan Forsythe (4-5), Yasiel Puig (2-4), and Justin Turner (3-6).
Who do you think the Diamondbacks will send out this series to face the Dodgers? Let us know, in order, in the comments below!
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