Los Angeles Dodgers: Wild Card Series Preview

Starting Pitching

The Dodgers and the Brewers aren’t as far apart on the mound as they are in the batter’s box. The Dodgers led the league in ERA, WHIP, walks allowed, and opponent bating average. The Brewers were in the top ten in strikeouts, walks allowed, and home runs allowed, and sat at 11th in ERA, it looks like both teams have competent staffs.

The Dodgers do look at a disadvantage when it comes to their starters with only three making 10 starts and that includes Julio Urias who struggled so much he’s been relegated to long relief. Meanwhile the Brewers  have four starters who made 10 starts and almost had a fifth, their starters seem to be breaking down at the wrong time.

Brewers starter Corbin Burnes is on the injured list with an oblique strain and likely won’t make an appearance, meaning staff “workhorse” Brandon Woodruff (13 starts) has to win his start because the rest of the Brewers starters all have ERAs above 4.00.

Of course the Dodgers starters have to do their jobs, in Game One it’s Walker Beuhler and in Game Two it’s Clayton Kershaw. Beuhler has been dealing with blister issues and only made three starts in September, Buehler only went to five innings in one start but did have a 1.54 ERA with 14 strikeouts and just walks in his three starts. A great Game One start will make Kershaw’s job in game Two much easier.

Advantage: Dodgers