Jack Flaherty Reacts to Getting Game 1 NLDS Nod for Dodgers
Jack Flaherty expressed his reaction to earning the Game 1 start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS Saturday. The tweet had no words, but a simple handshake emoji.
The LA native quickly emerged as the strongest pitcher in the Dodgers’ rotation. Flaherty was a last-minute trade deadline acquisition, but nobody realized how crucial his addition was until a majority of the rotation was sidelined by injury.
Dodgers ace Tyler Glasnow was projected to lead the club’s postseason efforts, but since he was placed on the injured list in mid-August, the right-hander’s elbow tendonitis turned into a season-ending elbow sprain.
Flaherty was the next best option for the Dodgers. His production was by far the strongest out of all Dodgers starters. Throughout his time with the Detroit Tigers and the Dodgers, he posted a 3.17 ERA and a 13-7 record in 28 starts this year.
The right-hander’s last three starts have exposed some cause for concern. In 14 total innings, Flaherty gave up 10 runs, 14 hits, and nine walks.
Additionally, the 28-year-old’s fastball velocity has slowed down in the last two outings. Flaherty’s longevity is also alarming since he’s only tossed into the sixth inning in just one of his last three appearances on the mound.
What the Dodgers need most from Flaherty is stability and length. If he can pitch a complete five or six frames, it would be the most ideal scenario for the Dodgers. The less innings Flaherty throws, the more innings the bullpen will have to make up. The bullpen is already overworked, and thus, the Dodgers’ starters will have to do their best to stay in the game as long as possible.
Overall, Flaherty proved he was the best candidate to get the start for Game 1 of the NLDS. Flaherty also has postseason experience. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019 when the club reached the NLCS.
Flaherty has the potential to pitch a lights-out game, but there is a certain aspect of unpredictability. Fans have to wait just a few more days to witness Flaherty’s first postseason performance in a Dodgers uniform.
Padres right-hander Dylan Cease is scheduled to start Game 1 for San Diego. Cease posted a 3.47 ERA with a 14-11 record in 33 starts.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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