The Dodgers (1-0) shut out the Nationals (0-1) in Game 1 of the NLDS, and now they look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-game series behind Clayton Kershaw in his 25th postseason start.
Starting Game 2 sets up Kershaw to be fresh for a relief appearance in Game 5 should the series go that far. Walker Buehler may have usurped the veteran lefty as the “ace” of the staff, but Kershaw still has a critical role on the Dodgers’ postseason pitching staff.
We’re all sick of hearing about the Kershaw postseason narrative, so let’s get the numbers out of the way.