As the Los Angeles Dodgers embark on their 11th consecutive playoff appearance, they’re poised to introduce a novel pitching strategy in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1, the Dodgers will implement a group-effort approach to their pitching, featuring shorter starts, potential bullpen games, and a “piggy-back” system where multiple pitchers share innings.
This unconventional strategy isn’t just about embracing advanced analytics; it’s a necessity due to injuries, performance uncertainties, and the inclusion of rookie pitchers experiencing their first postseason. Despite the shift in approach, the Dodgers remain focused on their ultimate goal: winning another World Series.
Kershaw, who returned from a shoulder injury in August, has been limited to five innings in most of his eight outings, with his regular-season finale extending to 5 1/3 innings. He hasn’t thrown more than 84 pitches in any of these starts. Moving forward, Kershaw’s pitch counts and innings are expected to stay within these limits, with the Dodgers’ bullpen playing a significant role.
Despite the adjustments, the Dodgers maintain their strength on offense, boasting four 100-RBI performers in Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez, and Max Muncy. The team includes All-Stars like Betts, Freeman, Martinez, and Will Smith, providing a formidable offensive lineup.
The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, have an impressive roster of young talent led by NL Rookie of the Year favorite Corbin Carroll. His blend of speed and power was showcased during his first full season with 25 home runs and 54 stolen bases. Carroll continued to shine in the wild-card round, going 4-for-7 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Diamondbacks also feature youthful prospects like Alek Thomas, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo, who have made significant contributions. While the Dodgers present a formidable challenge, these young players are determined to make their mark.
Despite the Dodgers’ regular-season dominance, winning eight of the 13 matchups against the Diamondbacks, they understand the potential in their opponents. The Diamondbacks, who lost 110 games in 2021 and hadn’t won a postseason game since 2011, are eager to prove their mettle.
In Game 1, the Diamondbacks will rely on right-hander Merrill Kelly (12-8, 3.29 ERA). While Kelly had an impressive 2023 regular season, he faces a historical challenge against the Dodgers, holding an 0-11 record with a 5.49 ERA in 16 career regular-season starts against Los Angeles. Betts, in particular, has been a thorn in his side with three home runs and a .351 on-base percentage.
Despite Kelly’s struggles, he remains confident in his abilities and determined to overcome his past performances against the Dodgers. Furthermore, the Diamondbacks will likely have catcher Gabriel Moreno back in the lineup after he passed all tests and showed no concussion symptoms following an early exit in the wild-card clincher.
As the NLDS unfolds, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are set to offer an exciting clash of strategies and talents, making for compelling postseason baseball.
