ipitytheblue
...
here's hoping we make it an awful decision then
Kind of a stinky, desperate move by LA. Are they really scared of Medlen in Game 5?
Fucks up his ability to have multiple starts in NLCS if they make it as well.
I haven't plotted the NLCS schedule on it, but wouldn't Kershaw just get two starts in that 7-game series either way, unless he pitched on short rest? The old days when an ace pitched the 1st, 4th & 7th games are pretty much a thing of the past now, aren't they? And this might even put Kershaw in the position of pitching the 3rd and 6th or 7th game of that series, rather than the 1st & 4th or 5th game. If so, Mattingly might be thinking that he would rather use Kershaw that way in the NLCS.
Another advantage is that by locking up the series tonight, you get the extra rest of not having to travel back to Atlanta and pitch Kershaw on Wednesday. I think there's a good chance the Dodgers win tonight anyway....but maybe Mattingly wants to lock it up for sure to get that extra rest for his staff.
Nolasco had a pretty sucky last few games. And if Kershaw pitches Wednesday he would only be available on regular rest for games 3 and 7 of the NLCS.
Still seems like a weird move, though.
True, but if they win tonight and he doesn't pitch, he's ready for Games 1 and 5 on regular rest, which is definitely preferable to 3 and 7.