Dodgers News: Lance Lynn Views LA’s Playoff Success Hinging on Him and Clayton Kershaw

The Dodgers’ starting rotation took a big hit last week when it was announced that Walker Buehler will not return at any point this season. The news came just days after Julio Urias was placed on the administrative list because of his domestic violence case.

With two of the most significant assets of the rotation out for the playoffs, it is now up to seasoned vets and first-year players to take up the bulk of innings for the Dodgers.

One of the veterans who will be starting every fourth or fifth game for the Dodgers in October is Lance Lynn. In an interview with the Foul Territory podcast, Lynn explained how the Dodgers’ success in the postseason rides on the shoulders of both himself and Clayton Kershaw.

“When you look at Buehler and Urias not being there in the playoffs, if they were, that would be an enormous boost for a team,” said Lynn. “And when it comes down to it, we got to be better, (Clayton) Kershaw and I got to be on our game.”

Via Foul Territory Podcast

Although Lynn and Kershaw are the veterans of the rotation heading into the playoffs, both are currently dealing with their own struggles.

In his last start, Lynn gave up his 40th home run of the season, which leads the league. On the other hand, Kershaw has not been 100 percent since returning from the injured list, and his fastball was never clocked above 89 mph in his last start.

For the other couple spots in the rotation, the Dodgers are going to have to rely on rookies. Bobby Miller will for sure be a part of the Dodgers plans in the postseason. After a dominant outing against Miami on Thursday, Ryan Pepiot is trending toward getting some playoff innings. Emmet Sheehan could make an impact, too.

Although rookies are going to be taking a lot of innings this postseason, Lynn has all the confidence in them.

“But when it comes down to it, we’ve got some young guys [performing well]. (Ryan Pepiot) threw the ball well last night in Miami obviously,” said Lynn. “And then you’re seeing what what Bobby Miller can become right before your eyes as a rookie, getting confidence, his stuff’s electric and the more and more pitches, the better he’s gonna be.”

Via Foul Territory Podcast

With all the uncertainty that is plaguing the Dodgers heading into this year’s postseason, Lynn still believes that the Dodgers have a real shot at winning the World Series.

“If we go into the playoffs with a version of that, with some other of these guys that can throw some bulk innings and just to make sure we don’t overuse the one inning guys. I think we got a real good chance. 

Via Foul Territory Podcast

Photo Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

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