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It wasn’t pretty at the end but the Atlanta Braves did just enough to hold on for an 8-7 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS. The Braves now lead the series 2-0 and will be the home team for what is pretty much a must-win game for the Dodgers in Game 3. Los Angeles was already facing a number of question marks with their pitching staff before Clayton Kershaw was scratched Tuesday. Dave Roberts told reporters after the game that it is very much a day-to-day situation for his team’s pitching plans for the remainder of the series. Left-hander Julio Urias will start opposite of Kyle Wright in Game 3.
The Braves are in a similar situation from a pitching standpoint but have the luxury of a two-game series lead. They tried to avoid using the back end of their bullpen in Game 2 but ended up having to go with Chris Martin and Mark Melancon late to preserve the win. With a bullpen game likely for Game 4 and a possibility for Game 5 if needed, there aren’t going to be a lot of opportunities to find rest for their relief corps.
More Braves News
Four takeaways from Atlanta’s Game 2 win including thoughts on Ian Anderson and Freddie Freeman.
Prior to Game 2, the Braves announced that Johan Camargo would replace injured outfielder Adam Duvall on their NLCS roster. The move will make Duvall ineligible for the World Series should Atlanta advance.
FanGraphs’ Ben Clemens takes a closer look at Ronald Acuña Jr.’s increasing walk rate and how his newfound patience makes him even more dangerous for opposing pitchers.
Here is a great article by MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo who tells the story of how the Braves came to select Ian Anderson with the third pick of the 2016 Draft.
More NLCS News
Clayton Kershaw was originally slated to start Game 2 but was scratched due to back spasms. Dodgers manager said Tuesday that Kershaw felt the back spasm during a bullpen session on Saturday. The Dodgers are hoping Kershaw will be able to start Game 4 on Thursday.
Roberts also announced Tuesday that left-hander Julio Urias will start Game 3 on Wednesday.
Los Angeles featured a strong bullpen in 2020 but the recent struggles of Kenley Jansen has thrown everything in flux.
MLB News
Padres right-hander Dinelson Lamet has reportedly begun platelet-rich plasma therapy on his right elbow. Lamet last pitched on September 25 due to biceps tightness and was not available for the team’s postseason run.
The Detroit Tigers interviewed Dodgers first base coach George Lombard for their vacant managerial position.