In what initially appears to be a familiar playoff scenario for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw will take the mound in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. However, this postseason presents a unique twist as the Dodgers embark on an innovative pitching approach.
With a remarkable 11 consecutive playoff appearances but only one World Series title to their name in 2020, the Dodgers are embracing a new pitching strategy. This plan entails shorter starts, the possibility of bullpen games, and a “piggy-back” system where multiple pitchers contribute multiple innings each.
This unconventional strategy is not solely a result of advanced analytics; rather, it stems from necessity. Factors such as injuries, performance uncertainties, and the emergence of rookie pitchers making their playoff debut have forced the Dodgers to rethink their pitching approach.
Clayton Kershaw, who returned from a shoulder injury in August, has been limited to five innings in most of his eight outings since his comeback. He has not exceeded 84 pitches in any of those starts, making it likely that these limitations will continue, with the Dodgers relying on their bullpen. Nonetheless, Kershaw boasts an impressive track record against Arizona, holding a 22-12 record and a 2.73 ERA in 44 regular-season starts.
On the offensive front, the Dodgers remain a formidable force with standout players such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez, and Max Muncy, all exceeding 100 RBIs. Several of them, including Betts, Freeman, Martinez, and Will Smith, were named All-Stars.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks, led by NL Rookie of the Year favorite Corbin Carroll, present a promising young talent pool. Carroll, who recorded 25 home runs and 54 stolen bases in his debut season, made a strong impression in the wild-card round with a 4-for-7 performance, including a double and a home run.
The Diamondbacks, known for their youthful roster, also feature Alek Thomas, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo, who have all left their mark on the team’s resurgence.
While acknowledging the Dodgers’ strengths, Corbin Carroll expressed confidence in the Diamondbacks, stating, “You know, they’re a great team. Just a great lineup, good pitching, but you know, we’ve played them all year, we know what they are, we know what they’re not. You know, I wouldn’t count us out.”
In their previous matchups, the Dodgers swept a three-game series against the Diamondbacks in late August, outscoring them 23-5. Of the 13 regular-season meetings, the Dodgers emerged victorious in eight.
The Diamondbacks will entrust right-hander Merrill Kelly (12-8, 3.29 ERA) with the Game 1 start. Kelly, despite a strong 2023 regular season, has struggled against the Dodgers throughout his career, holding a 0-11 record with a 5.49 ERA in 16 regular-season starts. Notably, Mookie Betts has been particularly effective against Kelly, with three home runs and a .351 on-base percentage.
While catcher Gabriel Moreno faced a setback during Arizona’s wild-card clincher when he was hit in the head by a Brewers backswing, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s game, as he passed all tests and displayed no concussion symptoms, according to Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo.
