Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Announces Game 3 And 4 Starters In NLDS

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has been playing his NLDS roster decisions very close to the vest, but with less than 24 hours remaining before he has to submit a roster, he shed some light on his thought process.

With Andre Ethier’s status unchanged, it looks like Skip Schumaker will get the start in center field as the Dodgers are hopeful Ethier can make it back by Game 3.

Questions about how the rotation will look have been brought up and according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Mattingly has made his decision:

Mattingly: Ryu starting Game 3, Nolasco starting Game 4.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 2, 2013

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said yesterday afternoon that Ryu would start Game 3, but the real news is that Nolasco will indeed start Game 4. While he’s struggled recently, Nolasco is definitely a better option than Edinson Volquez or even Chris Capuano, as one of the two are likely to make the roster in the bullpen.

Of course Game 4 is an if necessary game, but if the Dodgers are facing a 1-2 deficit, there’s a chance that Clayton Kershaw would be brought back on three-days rest. Even though he’s never done it in his career, Kershaw said this morning that it isn’t something he’s opposed to doing, but Mattingly said it hasn’t even been discussed.

Earlier this morning, the Braves announced their 25-man roster and it looks like Nolasco will go up against veteran starter Freddy Garcia if the series reaches Game 4.

At Dodger Stadium this season, Ryu is 7-4 with a 2.32 ERA and will oppose Braves rookie starter Julio Teheran, who’s 6-4 with a 3.38 ERA on the road.

The Dodgers will most likely wait until tomorrow morning or even later this afternoon to announce the full 25-man roster, but the rotation has gone pretty much according to plan.

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In case you missed it, here’s the latest on Andre Ethier’s injured ankle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KogAcerJqaQ