Dodgers prepare their NLDS roster for familiar foe in Diamondbacks
Arizona swept the Milwaukee Brewers, setting the stage for Clayton Kershaw to face Merrill Kelly in Game 1 on Saturday at Dodger Stadium
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, talks to his players during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from right, talks with his team during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on from the dugout railing during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel throws batting practice during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman makes contact during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman runs to first after hitting a single during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman looks on from the dugout during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy takes batting practice before a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers utility man Chris Taylor, center, walks over the 2023 Postseason logo during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, right, and catcher Austin Barnes look on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers players get loose during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans cheer as the Dodgers play a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, looks on with coach Bob Geren, left, and third baseman Max Muncy during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, right, listens as coach Bob Geren, second from right, speaks as first base coach Clayton McCullough and third base coach Dino Ebel, far left, look on during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts jogs on the field during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers outfielder James Outman, left, talks with Miguel Vargas during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove throws to the plate during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith stands in the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers coaches Bob Geren, left, and Dino Ebel scope the scene during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts takes batting practice before a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts watches from the dugout railing during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, talks to his players during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Jonny DeLuca, left, looks on from the dugout during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from right, talks with his team during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from right, talks with his team during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes warms up before a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts jogs off the field during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches batting practice before a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips throws to the plate during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, and catcher Austin Barnes watch from the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Fans cheer as the Dodgers play a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Miller is expected to start Game 2 of the best-of-five series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman looks over his bats during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Vargas walks through the dugout before they played a simulated game ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts gets loose during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, watches from the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers staff members paint the field before the team held a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers batting helmets are lined up in the dugout before they played a simulated game ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, left, speaks as Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, laughs during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES ― The Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the best-of-five National League Division Series beginning Saturday.
An anticlimactic best-of-three wild-card round ended Wednesday night when the Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies swept the Milwaukee Brewers and Miami Marlins, respectively. The Dodgers won eight of their 13 regular-season games against Arizona, most recently sweeping a three-game series at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 28-30.
“Obviously really familiar with them,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said of the Diamondbacks. “They’re a really good team. We have a lot of history with them. We know them well, they know us well. We’re looking forward to it.”
Arizona waited until the final weekend of the regular season to clinch a wild-card berth. Its staff ace, right-hander Zac Gallen, won’t start Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday. He pitched six innings in the series-clinching win against Milwaukee on Wednesday.
But because of a schedule quirk, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will have a day off Sunday in Los Angeles between Games 1 and 2. Gallen could – and almost certainly will – start Game 2 of the series on Monday at Dodger Stadium. Right-hander Merrill Kelly figures to start Game 1.
Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 on Saturday for the Dodgers. Bobby Miller is all but officially set to start Game 2. Beyond that, however, the composition of the pitching staff and how to divvy up the innings present several options for the Dodgers.
Learning the NLDS opponent Wednesday was an important step in deciding on a 26-man roster, which must be submitted to Major League Baseball on Saturday morning.
“We’re still having a lot of internal conversations about it,” Friedman said. “No matter how it shakes out we’re going to have a really talented pitching staff. There’s going to be tough decisions and probably some really talented pitchers that won’t make this roster. And I think it just speaks to the depth, the number of guys who really stepped up this year.
“We may have to approach it in a more unconventional way, but our talent and depth that we have, we feel really good about.”
MAKE SOME NOISE
The Dodgers played an intrasquad game under the lights of Dodger Stadium before a small gathering of fans who were allowed to sit in left field for the six-inning scrimmage.
Michael Grove, Shelby Miller, Alex Vesia, Caleb Ferguson, Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, Victor Gonzalez, Evan Phillips, and Ryan Brasier each pitched an inning. So did rookies Bryan Hudson and Kyle Hurt, who are not expected to make the postseason roster.
Michael Busch, one of several rookies up from Triple-A Oklahoma City for the week, hit a home run to right-center field against Graterol. Hits by Freddie Freeman, Kiké Hernandez, Kolten Wong, James Outman and Tucker Barnhart all landed comfortably short of the fences.
Miguel Rojas, who was hit on the left hand by a 95-mph fastball on Friday in San Francisco, took part in batting practice and the intrasquad game and reported no ill effects from the injury.
