Dodgers NLDS Gm 1 FAQ (MLBN/FS1, Tues.)

Dodgers NLDS Gm 1 FAQ (MLBN/FS1, Tues.)

October 3rd, 2020

The Dodgers -- who won their Wild Card Series on Thursday -- will play the Padres in the National League Division Series after San Diego defeated the Cardinals, 4-0, on Friday night. The games will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

• NLDS presented by Doosan, Game 1: Tuesday on MLB Network or FS1

The Dodgers were 6-4 against the Padres during the regular season. That included perhaps the most important game of the year, a 7-2 loss in San Diego in which Trent Grisham showed up Clayton Kershaw with a bat flip and homer-admiring trot. Several players, including Mookie Betts, acknowledged that it served as a wake-up call to the team.

The Dodgers have never played the Padres in the postseason.

When is the game and how can I watch it?
Game 1 of the NLDS is set for Tuesday (time TBD) on either MLB Network or FS1.

What will the starting lineup look like?
Odds are good it will be very similar to the lineup from Game 1 of the Wild Card Series:

  1. , RF
  2. , SS
  3. , 3B
  4. , 1B
  5. , C
  6. , CF
  7. , 2B
  8. , DH
  9. , LF

Who are the starting pitchers?
As in the Wild Card Series, the first two games should go to Walker Buehler and Kershaw, with some combination of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Julio Urías to follow, depending on how long the NLDS goes.

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Manager Dave Roberts has reiterated that Kenley Jansen is still the Dodgers’ closer, despite recent struggles -- and despite Brusdar Graterol getting called upon to close out Game 2 of the Wild Card Series. Dylan Floro, who was left off the Wild Card Series roster, could be added back to the mix. Blake Treinen, Joe Kelly, Victor González, Adam Kolarek and Jake McGee should all be back.

Are there any relievers who are unavailable?
No.

Any injuries of note?
No.

Who is hot and who is not?
Mookie Betts had three doubles and three RBIs in the Wild Card Series, while Corey Seager hit the only home run. Chris Taylor went 3-for-6.

Which is the home team?
The Dodgers, the No. 1 seed with the best record in the league, are considered the home team at the neutral site, and they will bat last in the first two games and in a Game 5, if one is played.

Anything else fans want to know?
The Dodgers flew to Texas on Friday and will get at least one day off before working out.