Clayton Kershaw to start NLDS Game 4 for Dodgers on three days rest

(AP) Manager Don Mattingly ended any potential drama about his NLDS Game 4 starter before Game 3 even started on Monday. Regardless of the outcome, he was giving the ball to Clayton Kershaw despite his ace being on three days rest.

As we learned on Monday, that start will come with the Dodgers season on the line after they dropped Game 3 by a 13-7 final.

[Look: Mets fan brings ‘Chase Utley Hearts ISIS’ sign to Game 3]

It will be another pressure packed postseason experience for baseball’s best, but he’s been here before. In fact, Mattingly has gone to Kershaw on short rest in each of the Dodgers last two NL division series appearances. The results have been split. In 2014, Kershaw allowed three runs over six innings as the Dodgers were eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2013, the Dodgers season wasn’t on the line, but Kershaw led them to a series win over the Atlanta Braves with six quality innings.

When asked why he was going to that well again in 2015, Mattingly had a simple response.

Don Mattingly on why he named Kershaw Game 4 starter: “Do I have to explain that one? He’s pretty good.” #Dodgers

— SoCal Sports 4 You (@SoCalSports4You) October 12, 2015

No sir, you didn’t have to explain why you’d want to have baseball’s best pitcher over the past five seasons primed and ready to start a potential do-or-die game. Despite being on the losing side in Game 1, he’s already shown quite well in this series. Kershaw engaged Jacob deGrom in a historic strikeout duel. In seven innings, he struck out 11 batters while opponent deGrom struck out 13.

The Mets are still expected to go with Steven Matz in Game 4, so we won’t get a rematch.

[Check it out: Yahoo Sports MLB writers make their postseason predictions]

Another notable factor here is what this would mean for a potential Game 5. With Kershaw going on Tuesday, that would allow Zack Greinke to start on normal rest Thursday. What it essentially does is maximize the Dodgers usage of their top two starters, which is critical considering how thin their rotation is behind them. With Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jun Ryu both long lost for the season, the only option in this series would be Alex Wood.

Yes, Kershaw has had his share of postseasons ups and downs, but based on his credentials and the options available, he’s still the guy you want on the hill when your season is on the line.

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