LA considering Urias, Kershaw for must-win G4

LOS ANGELES — It’s decision time for manager Dave Roberts, team president Andrew Friedman and the rest of the Dodgers’ brain trust.

With the season hanging in the balance following Monday’s 8-3 loss to the Nationals, the Dodgers have less than 24 hours to decide on a starter for Game 4 of the National League Division Series, scheduled for Tuesday (5 or 8 p.m. ET/2 or 5 p.m. PT on FS1).

In one corner, there’s Clayton Kershaw, the most accomplished pitcher of his generation and the Dodgers’ unquestioned ace. He would be pitching on short rest, but he’s proven himself more than capable in the past, posting a 1.89 ERA in three such starts.

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 7   LAD 4, WAS 3 Gm 2 Oct. 9   WSH 5, LAD 2 Gm 3 Oct. 10   WAS 8, LAD 3 Gm 4 Oct. 11 5 or 8 p.m. WAS @ LAD FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 5 or 8 p.m. LAD @ WSH FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Dodgers vs. Nationals NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Dodgers | Nationals

In the other corner, there’s Julio Urias, a 20-year-old rookie with a bright future ahead, but only 77 innings of Major League experience.

Of course, the decision is far more complex than a comparison of the two hurlers. Whatever happens Tuesday would also impact a hypothetical Game 5, which the Dodgers need to win as well.

“We still have to win two games,” said Roberts. “So the thought of having Julio pitch at home versus the road is something that we’re thinking through, and what gives us the best chance to win two games. Obviously, yeah, you have to win tomorrow to win on Thursday.”

The Dodgers aren’t the only club without any firm pitching plans, …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com