Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers ask Clayton Kershaw to save their season in Game 4

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:44 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

The Dodgers will hand the ball to their ace in Tuesday’s must-win Game 4 of the NLDS against the Nationals.

Clayton Kershaw, who missed more than two months because of a back injury before returning in early September, will be pitching on short rest. He started Game 1 on Friday and threw 101 pitches in five innings of three-run ball. But with Los Angeles facing elimination, it will turn to Kershaw instead of 20-year-old rookie Julio Urias.

The start will provide yet another opportunity for redemption for the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, whose dominance hasn’t carried over to the postseason in recent years. However, he's had success on short rest:

The Nationals announced that right-hander Joe Ross will start Game 4, meaning ace Max Scherzer will be available on full rest if there is a Game 5 on Thursday.

Clayton Kershaw throws NLDS Game 4 on short rest for 4th straight year. He threw quality start (6+ IP, 3 or fewer ER) 3 prior times. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 11, 2016