strasburg officially out Strasburg out for NLDS ESPN.com news services — 34 minutes ago The Washington Nationals will have to begin their playoff quest without Stephen Strasburg, as manager Dusty Baker said the right-hander will miss the team's NLDS series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and perhaps the team's entire postseason run. "Well, you won't see [Strasburg] in the first series, and I don't even know if you'll see him, you know, maybe in the second series," Baker said on McNabb & Custer on ESPN Radio. "You might see him in the World Series." Nats general manager Mike Rizzo said last week that Strasburg was "unlikely" to be back on the mound for the beginning of the playoffs. Strasburg has been on the disabled list since Sept. 7 because of a strained flexor mass in his right arm, and though he has played catch, he does not appear close to taking the mound. This is not the first time he has missed playoff action. In 2012, when the Nationals won their first division title, they played the postseason without Strasburg, whom the team shut down in early September due to concerns about his health in the wake of his 2010 Tommy John surgery. The top overall pick in 2009, Strasburg participated in Washington's second postseason appearance in 2014. He took the loss in Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants. This season, Strasburg was 15-4 with a 3.60 ERA. He was named an All-Star for the second time, following a first half in which he went 12-0 with a 2.62 ERA.
haven't heard specifics other than they're banged up if we win i'm sure we'll hear about their injuries as excuses and tbh i'm fine with that no one gave us a pass with all our guys on the dl but whatev
Dodgers Roundtable: Projecting 2016 NLDS Roster by Matthew Moreno | Dodger Blue — 20 minutes ago Over the past week Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed a handful of players who will be on the club’s 25-man roster for the National League Division Series matchup with the Washington Nationals. The latest revelation came Sunday when Roberts announced seldom-used and recently-returned Andre Ethier will be with the club for the best-of-five series. The veteran outfielder has primarily been used as a pinch-hitter, and should continue in that role during the postseason. Roberts spent the past week using players in various capacities as a final audition for the NLDS. Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy both pitched in relief, with the former outperforming the latter. The Dodgers figure to face multiple decisions in the bullpen, an area that was the backbone for the club throughout the season. Since beginning their recent run of NL West titles, the Dodgers carried 14 position players and 11 pitchers in the 2013 NLDS and NL Championship Series, and the 2015 NLDS. They elected for 13 position players and 12 pitchers in the 2014 NLDS. Included below are roster projections from the DodgerBlue.com staff, with the names in each position group listed alphabetically. Matthew Moreno: Staring pitchers (4): Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias Relief pitchers (8): Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Grant Dayton, Josh Fields, Kenley Jansen, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood Catchers (2): Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz Infielders (5): Adrian Gonzalez, Charlie Culberson, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley Outfielders (6): Andre Ethier, Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles First and foremost, I believe the Dodgers will break from last year’s mold and carry 12 pitchers. In large part because their bullpen was a strength — a strength in numbers. Plus, there seems to be lingering concern or caution with Rich Hill’s blisters, and Kenta Maeda tends to get shaky after the fifth inning. Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Grant Dayton and Kenley Jansen were the easy choices. I believe Luis Avilan’s strong close to the season warrants a spot, and I gave the nod to Josh Fields over Louis Coleman as the final right-hander. Ross Stripling is the natural selection for a long reliever, and Alex Wood pitched well enough in his relief appearances. Considering Roberts removed the guesswork in the outfield, that left Kiké Hernandez and Charlie Culberson battling for the final position-player spot in my eyes. Culberson’s walk-off home run and recent surge were enough to offset Hernandez’s versatility. Side note: I would have projected Ethier and Andrew Toles to both be included had Roberts not already made that known. Eric Avakian: Staring pitchers (4): Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias Relief pitchers (8): Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Grant Dayton, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Adam Liberatore, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood Catchers (2): Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz Infielders (5): Charlie Culberson, Adrian Gonzalez, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley Outfielders (6): Andre Ethier, Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles Overall, the Dodgers may need to worry more about pitching scenarios compared to their offense. With an expected mediocre Nationals starting rotation, the Dodgers should be able to mount enough run support to earn their victories. The key will be in the relief pitching once the starter has hit their cap. I elected to go with an extra relief pitcher because it provides more flexibility for Roberts in his first postseason. Roberts has stated Urias will make the roster, though hasn’t defined a role. I believe that will be as the fourth starter. While the rookie has been under strict supervision, two of his better outings this season have come against the Nationals. The Dodgers already answered questions regarding their outfield scenario, which seems to have the struggling Hernandez off the roster. In the end, his lack of production against southpaws was his downfall. Culberson and his late-game heroics have earned a spot in the NLDS. His steady defensive ability also allows him to leverage different pinch-hit scenarios, should any contests see extra innings or late-game changes. Selecting relievers was the toughest decision. While Jansen, Baez, Dayton and Blanton are locks to get in, the remaining spots were a toss up. Liberatore’s regular-season success certainly set a strong standard. His ability to get both lefties and righties out could be crucial in many scenarios. The final spot on the roster, for me, goes to J.P. Howell. In many instances, the Dodgers may find themselves in a close contest, with left-handed batters at the plate. Roberts may need to use his lefties on several occasions during a game, earning the proven veteran the final spot. Matt Borelli: Staring pitchers (4): Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias Relief pitchers (8): Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Jesse Chavez, Grant Dayton, Kenley Jansen, Adam Liberatore, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood Catchers (2): Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz Infielders (4): Adrian Gonzalez, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley Outfielders (7): Andre Ethier, Kiké Hernandez, Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles The starting rotation is basically set: Kershaw will start Game 1, with Hill and Maeda following in the next two games. Should there be a Game 4, I believe Urias will get the nod over veterans Anderson, Scott Kazmir and McCarthy due to ineffectiveness and/or injuries. Predicting the eight for the bullpen wasn’t quite as easy. The locks for me are Blanton, Jansen and Dayton — the latter has made a serious impact since making his MLB debut in July. Baez has looked sharp since being recalled from a brief stint with Double-A Tulsa, and makes the roster. Stripling and Wood both are included given their recent success and in Stripling’s case, ability to log multiple innings. The final two spots go to Jesse Chavez and Adam Liberatore. The former essentially beat out Coleman, who struggled mightily in September. Fields finished the season strong, but I believe Chavez is simply the better option. Meanwhile, I chose Liberatore over Avilan and Howell because of his dominance during the first half of the season (despite not being as sharp in the second half). Howell has likely played his final game as a Dodger given his age and decline, while Avilan spent most of the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City before posting solid numbers as a September call-up. If anything, Avilan ended the season on a good note and should compete for a spot in next year’s bullpen during Spring Training. Only four infielders make the cut given the abundance of outfielders, and they are the four who appeared in the most games at their respective positions during the regular season. With the exception of Hernandez, Roberts has already confirmed that the other six outfielders will be on the NLDS roster. Amongst the group, Ethier’s inclusion is perhaps the most surprising due to the fact that he isn’t 100 percent healthy. Despite his season-long struggles, I picked Hernandez over Culberson because of his ability to play all over the field. Daniel Starkand: Staring pitchers (4): Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias Relief pitchers (7): Pedro Baez, Joe Blanton, Grant Dayton, Kenley Jansen, Adam Liberatore, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood Catchers (2): Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz Infielders (5): Charlie Culberson, Adrian Gonzalez, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Chase Utley Outfielders (7): Andre Ethier, Kiké Hernandez, Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles The main question marks regarding the Dodgers’ NLDS roster are in the bullpen. I believe they will carry 11 pitchers this series, considering how deep into ball games the team’s starters are capable of going. The starting rotation seems set with Kershaw, Hill and Maeda slated to start the first three games. They then have the option of bring back Kershaw on short rest in a potential Game 4, or start Urias. The only true locks to make the roster in the bullpen are Jansen, Blanton and Dayton, who has been lights-out down the stretch. I believe Baez earned a spot on the roster as he has not given up a run since being recalled at the beginning of September. I also feel Liberatore and Stripling’s body of work this season earned them nods. For the last bullpen spot, I believe the team will go with Wood, who has thrown three shutout innings since returning from injury. I chose Wood over the likes of Avilan, Fields and Chavez. There is really only one position player roster spot up for grabs, considering Roberts said Ethier would be included. I believe that will go to utility man Culberson, who of course was the hero when he a hit a walk-off home run to clinch the NL West. Culberson can play any spot in the infield, which someone like Rob Segedin cannot, and has proven that he can hit lefties well, batting .319 this season.
Well of course. Figments of someone's imagination can't pitch. I still can't say I've ever seen this guy, pitching or otherwise, so I'm really starting to doubt his existence.
After a long weekend. I know it meant nothing, but I hated watching those bitches celebrating a second wild card berth.
So we're either sweeping or getting swept. No in between. Let's do this motherfuckers! Friday can't get here fast enough.
Murphy had an at bat on Sunday for the first time in over a week. Harper has been playing a bit but has been bad and is still hurting
Gotta win Game 1. If Kershaw comes out and is not his dominant self, we are going to be in a world of trouble. Being up 2 games to 1 would also bring up a weird situation as Scherzer has come out and said he does not want to pitch on short rest. Their staff is mighty beat up and that could force them to throw that kid we crushed and also make it so we see a LH starter only once.
agreed at the very least have to split there taking both would obviously be ideal i literally have no idea what to expect from our offense though will they be the guys who beat up greinke or the ones who laid down the final six days?
Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the Dodgers and Nationals will begin Friday in Washington at 2:38 p.m. Pacific Time, with Game 2 to follow Saturday at 1:08 p.m. PT.
