Michael Wacha, who beat the Dodgers twice last October to win the National League Championship Series’ MVP award, will pitch out of the bullpen in the NL Division Series beginning Friday.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny announced his rotation for the series Wednesday: Adam Wainwright in Game 1, Lance Lynn in Game 2, John Lackey in Game 3 and Shelby Miller in Game 4.
The Dodgers haven’t formally announced any of their starters for the series, though Clayton Kershaw is listed as the Game 1 starter on their website, and lined up to start the game by throwing a bullpen session Tuesday. Zack Greinke is expected to start Game 2.
Who opposes Lackey in Game 3 is less certain, but Hyun-Jin Ryu took a necessary step toward making that start by throwing a 45-pitch simulated game Wednesday. If he recovers well tomorrow, he is the favorite to get the start.
The question of who starts Game 4 for the Dodgers — if there is a Game 4 — will depend on Ryu’s health, the outcome of the first three games, and maybe whether or not Kershaw feels well enough to start the game on three days’ rest, like did a year ago.
The St. Louis Post-Disptach has more on the Cardinals’ NLDS roster.