September 24th, 2013 at 6:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka In all likelihood, Dodger manager Don Mattingly will have four starters on his post-season roster – three who will actually start and the fourth as the long man out of the bullpen.
With the recent struggles of Ricky Nolasco, Hyun-jin Ryu, Stephen Fife and Chris Capuano and the recent success of Edinson Volquez, who would you choose to be the Dodgers number three starter in the National League Division Series?
Edinson Volquez has allowed 4 earned runs in his last two starts while Ricky Nolasco has allowed 11 and Hyun-jin Ryu 5. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Who should be the Dodgers number three starter in the NLDS?
- Hyun-jin Ryu (89%, 40 Votes)
- Ricky Nolasco (9%, 4 Votes)
- Stephen Fife (2%, 1 Votes)
- Chris Capuano (0%, 0 Votes)
- Edinson Volquez (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 45
Loading ...
Posted in 
Ryu RT @Think_BlueLA: Opinion Poll: Who should be the Dodgers number 3 starter in the NLDS? – http://t.co/GKc0OBdSAn #Dodgers #Dodgerfam
Although I am intrigued with Volquez (new guy gets that hot streak)I would go with Ryu. I don’t think his struggles have been at all pronounced over his last ten games – twice 4 ER, twice 3 ER, three times 2 ER, twice 1 ER, once 0 ER. Volquez in four games has 4,3,3,1 ER.
Volquez’s last game was VG but so was Ryu’s against the D’Backs – 8 innings 2 hits 2 runs. And, maybe Nolasco is over his new guy hot streak.
@Think_BlueLA Nolasco
Nolasco first in long relief.
Until we know who our opponent is, this question can’t be answered. The question intrigued me, so I did a little research via baseball-reference.com. Here are some facts based on stats to ponder:
Ryu did very well against the Cards, Reds and Pirates this year. He wasn’t quite as good against Atlanta, but he had a decent start when facing them. Nolasco was shelled by the Reds, but has done well against the other potential opponents, with the exception of Pittsburgh, who he didn’t face this year.
The Braves hit .237 against left handed starters vs. .251 against right handed starters, making Ryu the best matchup for the Dodgers against them.
The Cardinals BA falls .38 points against lefty starters, also making Ryu the best choice against them.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is a good hitting team against left handers. They hit .261 against lefty starters and .240 vs. right handed starters. Mattingly has to go with Noalsco against the Pirates, even though he didn’t face them this year.
The Reds with the power left handed bats of Votto, Choo and Bruce are at a disadvantage while facing a lefty like Ryu. Considering that Nolasco was shelled by the Reds already and Ryu shut them down, I’d go with Ryu against them.
As the number 3 starter, I still have plenty of faith in Ryu, I’m surprised that that was an issue.
It’s not an issue OBF. Just something to think about since Volquez has improved each start.
Although I feel that Volquez has shown he’s still a good pitcher, I’d be very surprised if he’s picked as the 3rd starter.
And after last night’s performance, to me their should be no doubt that Ryu should fill that slot.
Nolasco will really have to pitch a tremendous game tonight, to be considered. But of course, Who am I?
@Think_BlueLA Ryu
@organicallyrude @Think_BlueLA yep. I’d take Ryu.