Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Not Making Any Changes Despite 0-2 Deficit in NLDS
While not much has gone right for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Dave Roberts doesn’t plan to change anything for a must-win Game 3.
Before Game 2, Roberts confirmed Lance Lynn will start Game 3. Despite talking about it a ton beforehand, the Dodgers haven’t tried any openers during the series. After the game, Roberts confirmed it would still be Lynn on the mound to start a now must-win Game 3.
The Dodger bullpen has proven it is the strength of the team during this NLDS. The relievers were fantastic on Monday, allowing just one earned run across 7.1 innings of work. With a day off on Tuesday, the bullpen will be ready to go on Wednesday — and Roberts hasn’t used Ryan Pepiot in this series yet. If Lynn struggles early, Roberts may turn to Pepiot early, and Pepiot was arguably the best Dodger starter in August and September.
Lynn has vast experience in the playoffs. Yes, sometimes he has struggled, but his experience should calm his nervousness.
Playing at Chase Field should help the poor Dodger offensive production. It has the second highest altitude in baseball and no marine air. The ball should fly better there than at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers need a blowout badly to relax their potent hitters. Both Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman need to awaken from their offensive naps. Both Jason Heyward and David Peralta need to start contributing to the offense. James Outman needs to do something to prove to himself he belongs and can succeed in the postseason.
In 2012, the San Francisco Giants overcame a 0-2 deficit against the Cincinnati Reds in the NLDS and went on to win the World Series. The Reds were a much better team than this Diamondbacks team, and the Dodgers are better than the 2012 Giants.
