Mets @ Dodgers – NLCS Game 1: Checkbook Mets against the mom-and-pop Dodgers

Unfortunately, you guys are stuck with me to kick off the NLCS against the Mets, two teams that aren’t unfamiliar with one another in the playoffs.

The Mets have the deepest rotation still in the playoffs and their lineup has been hot of late, especially in big moments. The Dodgers are going to need all the energy from the NLDS to carry over to beat the so-called team of destiny.

Amusingly, it’s the Dodgers who have the lower 2024 payroll in this matchup.

Tonight’s #NLCS Game 1 Dodgers lineup vs. Mets: pic.twitter.com/D4KBaIFywo

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 13, 2024

Game 1. Here we go. #LGM pic.twitter.com/Q0JBACadA5

— x – New York Mets (@Mets) October 13, 2024

The big news is Freddie Freeman is in the lineup.

Freddie Freeman has got his ankle taped up again today

Asked Dave Roberts if he’d ever seen someone play with a tape job like that before

He answered with a laugh: “Not in this sport. Maybe on the gridiron.” pic.twitter.com/1IqjGh1iRt

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) October 13, 2024

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Additionally, the 26-man roster had some choices.

Here's your 26-man roster for the NLCS. pic.twitter.com/FIaJ598U5k

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 13, 2024

Alex Vesia and Miguel Rojas unfortunately out, Brent Honeywell and Kevin Kiermaier in.

The Dodgers are also “hopeful” Alex Vesia could be back for a potential World Series, Friedman said

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) October 13, 2024

Honeywell is an interesting choice in particular because he has reverse splits due to that screwball and will effectively serve as their second lefty.

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Plans for Game 2 will depend on how Game 1 unfolds.

Takeaways from today’s Dave Roberts presser:

If Dodgers heavily use the ‘pen tonight, Walker Buehler likely starts Game 2. Otherwise, the bullpen game (possibly incl. Landon Knack) comes Monday with Buehler starting Game 3

Gavin Lux sits vs Manaea, Andy Pages likely to start G2

— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) October 13, 2024

Makes sense, they’re gonna have to bullpen it either way, and if they’re able to do it before an off-day instead of before two more games, it’ll be huge.

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NLCS, let’s go, man.