As of June 6, only two teams have announced their starting pitchers for Game 1 of the Division Series, which begins on July 8.

The defending World Series champion Houston Astros, who took the first round off to prepare for the LDS, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are in the postseason for the 11th straight year.

Both teams have announced veterans as their Game 1 starters. Houston right-hander Dustin Verlander (13-8, 3.22) and Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (13-5, 2.46). The two veterans are both future Hall of Famers who have won three Cy Young Awards and an MVP. As for age, Verlander is 40 and Kershaw is 35.

Both have storied postseason careers. They’re ace on the mound, leading their teams to fall baseball.

Verlander has appeared in 35 postseason games and started 34. With a 16-11 record and a 3.64 ERA, he’s been very effective in the postseason.

Specifically, he went 8-1 with a 3.08 ERA in the Division Series. In the League Championship Series, he is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA. He’s a threat in the postseason, but not in the World Series. He got his first win in Houston last year. He is 1-6 with a 5.63 ERA.

Kershaw has started 31 of his 38 games. For all his regular-season prowess, his postseason performance has been far less than stellar. Since his debut in 2008, Kershaw has led the league in regular season ERA five times. His career ERA is 2.48. In the American League, Verlander has a career ERA of 3.24.

The Dodgers, who have made the postseason for 11 straight years, have one of the weakest mounds in franchise history. They struggle on the mound, where starters are traditionally responsible for at least six innings. Bobby Miller, who throws 100 mph (161 km/h) with an average fastball, should be their number one starter. But he’s a rookie with no playoff experience.

Manager Dave Roberts had no choice but to go with Kershaw. His career record against the D-backs is very good. He’s 22-12 with a 2.73 ERA. Last year, left-hander Julio Urias was selected for Game 1 of the NLDS. Urias ended up with the Dodgers due to domestic violence. Kershaw took the loss in Game 2 against the San Diego Padres after giving up three runs on six hits in five innings. The Padres won the game 5-3.

It’s unclear if he’ll be able to effectively shut down an Arizona offense that has been on the rise this year. It’s also weak in the postseason, and the pitching staff will need to change when the third spot in the batting order returns. Roberts has already utilized a mound game plan against the Seattle Mariners in which Kershaw pitched four innings, followed by rookie Emmitt Sheehan for three innings, and then the bullpen took over.

Kershaw is a free agent again this year after the season. His options are to return to his native Texas or stay with the Dodgers. “He’s not leaving the Dodgers,” Roberts said, a subtle invitation to re-sign him. 메이저사이트

That’s what makes this postseason so interesting for the Living Legend.