Dodgers News: Dan Haren Could Provide Relief In Game 3
Ryu had shoulder irritation and was shut down for the rest of the regular season in anticipation that the rest would get him ready for the playoffs. Things have been looking promising for the left-hander thus far and he is penciled in as the starter for Monday in St. Louis.
It appears the Dodgers have a plan in place in case Ryu starts the game, but succumbs to injury via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
Dan Haren said tentative plan is for him to be ready to pitch in relief in Game 3 in case Ryu's start cut short.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 2, 2014
Haren is the expected Game 4 starter; however, he could be used in a pinch during the third game. In that case, the Dodgers would likely remove Ryu from the roster and call on another pitcher. Though the final roster has not been set, it seemed as if Kevin Correia and Roberto Hernandez would not be on the postseason roster, leaving them to be emergency pitchers in cases like this. Also, Carlos Frias may or may not be on the roster, but could be another option for Game 4. Another option would be throwing Clayton Kershaw on three days’ rest, much like he did in the 2013 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. Don Mattingly would rather not have to use his ace on early rest.
Of course, the Dodgers could eliminate all these possibilities by ending the series in three games. Kershaw takes on Adam Wainwright at Dodger Stadium on Friday, and Zack Greinke faces off against Lance Lynn on Saturday. While the Dodgers are the higher seed, they were eliminated by the Cardinals last season. They will be looking to avenge that loss.