Los Angeles Dodgers to work out while awaiting NLCS opponent
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Juan Uribe, center, is mobbed by teammates at the end of Game 4 of the NLDS in Los Angeles after the Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves, 4-3. (Oct. 7, 2013) Credit: AP
LOS ANGELES -- After two days of waiting, the Los Angeles Dodgers were ready to find out who they will play in the National League championship series.
The Dodgers were scheduled to work out Wednesday evening just as the decisive Game 5 between Pittsburgh and St. Louis began. A win by the Pirates meant the Dodgers would open their next playoff round at home on Friday. If the Cardinals won, the Dodgers planned to board a plane bound for St. Louis after the workout.
Beating the Atlanta Braves to wrap up their division series in four games Monday gave the Dodgers extra rest and time to reset their rotation. They took Tuesday off.
Zack Greinke was expected to start Game 1 of the NLCS. Clayton Kershaw, who pitched on three days' rest Monday for the first time in his career, was set to go on regular rest in Game 2.
The team hopes the layoff will benefit rookie pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, who struggled in Game 3 against Atlanta, giving up four runs and six hits over three innings. Ryu has said he isn't injured, but the left-hander's performance wasn't as solid as what he showed during the regular season.
The Dodgers will announce a new 25-man roster for the NLCS.
Andre Ethier was limited to pinch-hitting duty against the Braves, but if his left ankle has healed sufficiently, he could play the outfield. Hanley Ramirez got some rest for a bad back that has slowed him at shortstop, but not at the plate.
