Dodgers: NLCS Starting Rotation Announced
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their starting rotation for the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. With the announcement – there was a bit of a new wrinkle from the NLDS in which all four pitchers made a start. With the rotation now set, the Dodgers know pecking the order for their biggest series of the year. This will be the group that has a chance to win the Dodgers their second straight NL Pennant.
Andy McCullough of the LA Times tweeted the updated Dodgers starting rotation:
Hyun-Jin Ryu will start Game 2. Walker Buehler will start Game 3. Rich Hill will start Game 4.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) October 12, 2018
The big change in the rotation deals with who will take the ball second. Now, the veteran Hyun-Jin Ryu will start game two (with Clayton Kershaw opening up the series on Friday). Rookie Walker Buehler will start the first game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday evening. Rich Hill remains as the Dodgers fourth starter.
This could be considered surprising by some – as Ryu boasts a 1.15 ERA at Dodger Stadium this season. However, the Dodgers want the youngster in front of the home crowd; and it’s tough to disagree with that decision.
The format for the NLCS is 2-3-2 (away-home-away), so Kershaw would presumably get a home start in game five if it gets to that juncture. Hill would be available out of the bullpen in games six and seven, scheduled to make just one start in the NLCS. Regardless, this should be a point of strength if the series runs long.
What do you think of the Dodgers rotation against the Brewers? Will this group get them back to the World Series, and ultimately their first championship since 1988? What – if anything – would you have done differently with the rotation in this series? Let us know in the comments!
Dodgers Win With Long Ball, Not Small Ball
I would pitch Rich Hill on the road on Saturday leaving Ryu and then Buehler for home games.