NLDS Preview: Dodgers vs. Nationals

(photo credit: USA Today)

When the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals meet for a highly-anticipated NLDS, both squads will be looking to shake off recent postseason disappointment. Despite having some of the league’s most talented rosters, Los Angeles and Washington have not made it past the NLCS dating back to 2012. The Nationals missed the playoffs last season, while Los Angeles enters with the longest active postseason streak in the MLB. 

Unlike in year’s past, Los Angeles will enter this series as a healthy team, but that wasn’t the case in the regular season. Los Angeles placed 28 players on the disabled list, which was an MLB record, a record you don’t want to have. One of those 28 players was ace Clayton Kershaw, who missed most of the season but is back and healthy for the postseason. In fact, Kershaw will be the Game 1 starter for LA, while Max Scherzer will be on the bump for Washington. 

Kershaw was 12-4 with a 1.69 ERA this season, but he has struggled mightily in the postseason. He’s compiled a 4.64 ERA in 64 postseason innings. With Stephen Strasburg not available for the Nationals, Scherzer is far and away their number one pitcher. Scherzer went 20-7 with a 2.97 ERA this season, while also posting a 0.97 WHIP. Rich Hill will start Game 2 for Los Angeles, while Kenta Maeda is slated to start Game 3 for the Dodgers. Washington has not announced who will start in those games, but expect Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez to be in consideration for those starts.

 Los Angeles and Washington met six times this season, with Los Angeles taking five of those six games. Los Angeles (91-71) turned a seven-game deficit in the division into a NL West title. Washington (95-67), ran away with the NL East, as they were not in first place for only four days during the season. The Nationals earned home-field advantage in the series, so Games 1 and 2 will be played at Nationals Park. The series will then shift to LA, where Games 3 and 4 (if necessary) will be played at Dodger Stadium. Finally, if the series does go to a fifth game, then that would go back to Nationals Park for a do-or-die Game 5. 

Los Angeles has some serious power at the plate, and most of that comes from their young stars. Shortstop Corey Seager has put together a season that has put him into consideration for NL Rookie of the Year, and even NL MVP. Seager hit .308 with 26 homers and 72 RBI’s. Outfielder Joc Pederson also presents a problem at the plate, as he hit .246 with 25 homers and 68 RBI’s. Veterans Adrian Gonzalez and Chase Utley have the experience and the ability to impact a series. 

On the other side, Washington’s lineup has been severely impacted by injuries. Second baseman Daniel Murphy, who’s been one of the best hitters in the MLB (hit .347 with 104 RBI’s) has been dealing with a glute strain, but he’s expected to play in Game 1. 

Star outfielder Bryce Harper, who’s had a down season and has been dealing with a thumb injury, will also be able to play in the series. He hit just .243 with 24 homers and 86 RBI’s. Catcher Wilson Ramos, who’s been one of the MLB’s best catchers all season, will not be playing in this series with a knee injury.  Game 1 is today at 5:38 p.m. ET, and it can be watched on FS1.