Kershaw vs. Urias: Who Starts Game 4 and Why

The LA Dodgers and Washington Nationals have put on a suspenseful postseason series as the Dodgers took the first game of the series and the Nationals took the second on Sunday, after a rain delay on Saturday that resulted in a postponed game. However, the series became more nail biting with the Nationals taking game 3.

Dodger Rumors are that Julio Urias has been in the talks to start Tuesday’s game along with the possibility of Clayton Kershaw. After Monday’s game result, the question remains unanswered.

Kershaw started the first game of the series on Friday, Oct. 7 which concluded in a 4-3 defeat over the Nationals. He did appear to be struggling, however, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and going only 5 innings. The left-handed pitcher’s overall postseason record is 3-6.

[graphiq id=”hpE0tuilBeR” title=”Clayton Kershaw Postseason Profile” width=”600″ height=”663″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/hpE0tuilBeR” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/8619/Clayton-Kershaw” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]

Kershaw had a tough regular season being out on the DL and barely recovering in time for postseason, though he finished the season with a 1.69 ERA in 21 games.

Here are what his stats look like on 3 days rest:

Should the #Dodgers start Clayton Kershaw in Game 4 on 3 days rest? #NLDS #postseason pic.twitter.com/uPnjiotE9r

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 11, 2016

Julio Urias on the other hand has never made a postseason appearance being that it is his first year in the majors. The rookie holds a 3.39 ERA with 5 wins and 2 losses. It can be questioned if the postseason may be to nerve-wrecking for him, especially on the road if they choose Kershaw to pitch game 4.

[graphiq id=”1Sbz1QhCy21″ title=”Julio Urias 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”759″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/1Sbz1QhCy21″ link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/401618/Julio-Urias” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]

Ken Gurnick, the Dodgers’ beat reporter for MLB.com spoke with Rich Hill who told him that he could help out Urias in game 5. Whether or not that is something Roberts would consider is unclear, but Hill is up for the challenge.

Rich Hill said that he can pitch on short rest out of the bullpen if the club starts Urias in Game 5.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 11, 2016

Both Kershaw and Urias have been seen in the bullpen recently getting work in, signifying that both pitchers are ready to answer the call.

Clayton Kershaw working on windup and stretch in bullpen w/o throwing, as he would day before a start.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 10, 2016

Julio Urias said he doesn't know if he's starting tomorrow. Like Kershaw, he threw abbreviated bullpen session yesterday.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 11, 2016

There are arguments for starting Clayton Kershaw and arguments for starting Julio Urias. On one hand, you want to start Clayton Kershaw because you want your best pitcher out there to keep you in the series. On the other hand, that leaves starting Julio Urias on the road. Latest Dodger News is that Rich Hill will get the ball on short rest.

Who starts game 4 of the NLDS? Tweet us your thoughts!

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 11, 2016

We asked the fans on Twitter and so far the race is neck and neck… go out and vote and let us know what you think!

Key Moments From Game 3 of The NLDS