The 2022 MLB postseason is underway, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are still waiting to find out who they will be facing in the National League Division Series.
The Dodgers will host the winner of the Wild Card Series between the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, beginning on Oct. 11. Of the four Wild Card Series, three were decided in two games.
San Diego won the opener at Citi Field before the Mets bounced back and forced a winner-take-all Game 3 on Sunday.
While the Dodgers have to wait an extra day to find out their opponent, manager Dave Roberts feels that is ultimately a benefit to his club.
“You know, it’s one of those things where you’re careful of wishing for something because you might get it,” Roberts said on Friday. “That old adage. But I do think having the series go three games is a benefit to us, and we’ll kind of deal with who comes out of it.”
In Game 3, the Mets are starting Chris Bassitt while the Padres turn to Joe Musgrove. Whichever team advances to the NLDS is likely going to open the series with their fourth starter against Clayton Kershaw or Julio Urías.
New York is the betting favorite to move on, but no matter who the Dodgers end up facing, Roberts is confident his club will be in a good position to advance to the NL Championship Series.
“We feel like with the depth and varied looks of our guys, that we’re going to be able to match up really well, whether we’re playing the Mets or the Padres,” Roberts said. “It’s just about taking this time to do everything we can to make as many smart bets as we can, which in turn helps increase the chances of good fortune.
“Our coaching staff is already working and grinding through mainly the Mets, because we know the Padres so much better. Obviously, we will pivot as we learn more about what happens in that series, but our coaches are very, very dialed in.”
How did the Dodgers perform against the Mets and Padres this year?
The Dodgers finished their season series 3-4 against the Mets, but the two teams were essentially even with 24 runs scored by L.A. and 25 by New York.
Against the Padres, they won 15 of the 19 matchups and never lost a series. Additionally, they outscored San Diego 109-47 throughout the regular season series.
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