The Los Angeles Dodgers made short work of the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series, defeating them in two straight games at Dodger Stadium to advance to the National League Division Series.
The Dodgers now have a few days off before taking on the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, which will be at Globe Life Field in Texas as part of Major League Baseball’s bubble for the postseason.
A big reason the Dodgers were able to advance was the work of their pitching staff, which limited the Brewers to just two combined runs in the short series. Walker Buehler gave them both up in his only mistake of the night in Game 1, serving up a two-run homer to Orlando Arcia.
Because of Buehler’s blister issue, he was limited to just four innings in that game, although the bullpen was flawless in relief of him. That started with Julio Urias, who was a starter in the regular season but has postseason relief experience.
Urias tossed three shutout innings after Buehler, allowing just three hits and collecting five strikeouts against zero walks. Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen then combined to finish the victory.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts came away impressed with Urias’ performance and is hopeful he will return to the rotation in the NLDS. “He was great. I just give him so much credit for being open to whatever we ask,” Roberts said.
“As we hopefully get into the next series, he’ll make a start, which will be great for him.”
Roberts also didn’t rule out Urias either starting or relieving in Game 3 of the Wild Card series, although that wasn’t necessary with the Dodgers completing the sweep.
NLDS to have no off days during series
Because teams won’t have to travel to different ballparks during the series, MLB decided to eliminate off days in the middle of the DS and Championship Series.
That means if the Dodgers are required to play in five games in the NLDS, they would have to use all five of their starters, so Urias would surely get the ball in some capacity during that stretch.
L.A. doesn’t take the field until Tuesday, so they will have a rested Buehler and Clayton Kershaw for the first two games of the series. Roberts’ biggest decision will come beginning Game 3 with Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin all being worthy of starting that game.
Urias has the most postseason experience of the bunch and considering how good he looked in the Wild Card Series, has to be considered the favorite to get the ball in a Game 3.
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