Dodgers Game 1 Starter Still Up In The Air

The Los Angeles Dodgers still have a bit of time, as their 110-win season (going into Wednesday's finale) has afforded them the luxury of five days' rest before hosting the winner of the New York Mets/San Diego Padres Wild Card Series next Tuesday.

Dodgers haven't finalized a decision on who starts Game 1 of the NLDS, Dave Roberts said. Will be either Julio Urías or Clayton Kershaw. Roberts said the ability to bounce back on a short rest start later in the series is a factor they're considering.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 5, 2022

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he hasn't decided between his two aces, Julio Urías or Clayton Kershaw. Roberts said he'll take into account a number of factors, including the pitcher's ability to bounce back on short rest for another start later in the series.

Kershaw is starting the Dodgers' regular season finale today, for his final audition. The 34-year-old nine-time All-Star has had another spectacular season, going 11-3 with a 2.30 ERA heading into the finale, along with a 0.96 WHIP and a remarkable 128:22 K/BB ratio in 121 innings over 21 starts. 

Clayton Kershaw is 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA in six starts since returning from injured list on Sept. 1.

— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) October 1, 2022

Urias is a candidate for the NL Cy Young Award, after going 17-7 with a league-leading 2.16 ERA and also with a 0.96 WHIP. He has a 166:41 K/BB ratio. He became the first Mexican pitcher ever to win the ERA title. He's 10-1 in his last 15 starts, with a 1.75 ERA.

The 26-year-old said of the NL ERA crown, “it’s something really special.”

Dave Roberts has a difficult decision to make, but really, can't go wrong either way.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports