Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Corey Knebel will serve as the presumptive opener for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the host Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
The Dodgers announced the move just a few hours before the series opener.
Knebel (0-0, 0.00 ERA) also was named as the late starter on Thursday afternoon for that night’s pivotal Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the San Francisco Giants. He struck out one batter and allowed one hit in one scoreless inning versus the Giants.
Knebel, 29, posted a 4-0 record with a 2.45 ERA in 27 appearances (four starts) this season. He owns a 10-11 record with a 3.23 ERA in 266 career appearances (four starts) with the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers and Dodgers.
The decision to start Knebel likely positions Max Scherzer to start Game 2 for the Dodgers. Scherzer pitched the ninth inning in Thursday’s victory in Game 5 against San Francisco.
Left-hander and Los Angeles-area native Max Fried (1-0, 0.00) will start Game 1 for the Braves.
–Field Level Media
