Game 4 Pitcher Preview: Dodgers vs. Yankees

Potential Starting Pitchers for Game 4

The Dodgers‑Yankees clash is shaping up to be a classic, and the fourth game will likely hinge on who gets the ball. Both clubs have a deep rotation, yet injuries and recent workloads are nudging the decisions. Below, we break down the most plausible arms each side could hand the mound, weighing recent form, rest days, and matchup history.

Los Angeles Dodgers Options

• Julio Urías – The left‑hander has been a workhorse all season, logging over 180 innings with a sub‑3.00 ERA. After pitching Game 2, he’s earned an extra day of rest, making him a logical choice if the club wants to stick with a proven ace.
• Shane Bumgarner (starter role) – Though traditionally a reliever, Bumgarner has slipped into the rotation in recent weeks to cover for injuries. He boasts a career 3.40 ERA against New York teams, and his experience in high‑pressure postseason games could be a deciding factor.
• Michael Kirby – The young right‑hander impressed in his first major‑league starts, posting a 2.95 ERA over his last three outings. If the Dodgers want to preserve their veterans for a potential Game 5, Kirby could get the nod.
• Gavin Stone – A solid middle‑rotation arm who threw a quality start in Game 1. He’s earned a reputation for keeping hitters off balance with a sharp sinker, and the extra rest day makes him a viable swing‑man.

All things considered, Urías remains the front‑runner, but the Dodgers have shown a willingness to mix in fresh arms when the series gets tight.

New York Yankees Options

• Gerrit Cole – The ace’s presence on the mound would instantly tilt the odds. Cole logged 210 innings this regular season with a 3.07 ERA, and he’s accustomed to the long‑ball park in New York. If health permits, the Yankees will likely stick with him for Game 4.
• Nestor Cortes – The reliable swing‑man stepped in for Cole earlier in the postseason and delivered a 2.70 ERA over two starts. He offers a right‑handed contrast to Urías and could be the bridge if Cole needs extra rest.
• Clarke Schmidt – A left‑hander who has been effective against power‑hitting lineups, posting a 3.15 ERA in his last three starts. Schmidt’s ability to keep the ball on the ground could neutralize the Dodgers’ heavy left‑handed batters.
• J.A. Heilman – The club’s emerging starter who threw a 3.05 ERA in his first five starts. Heilman’s fastball velocity sits in the mid‑90s, and his strikeout rate has surged, making him a tempting option for a high‑stakes game.

Given the Yankees’ depth, the decision will probably hinge on how much rest Cole receives after his Game 2 outing and whether the bullpen can absorb another long relief appearance.

Key Factors Shaping the Decision

Both managers will weigh a handful of variables beyond simple win‑loss records. The most salient points include:

• Rest and Recovery – Pitchers who threw on short rest in Games 1 and 2 may be limited to avoid overtaxing their arms.
• Matchup History – The Dodgers have historically fared well against Cole’s fastball, but Urías’ sinker has limited home runs against New York’s left‑handed power hitters.
• Bullpen Health – If the bullpen is stretched thin, the starter may be expected to go deeper, nudging managers toward more durable arms.
• Weather and Ballpark Factors – A breezy evening at Yankee Stadium could favor ground‑ball pitchers, while a warm, humid night in Los Angeles might amplify fly balls.

What the Series Looks Like So Far

Game 1 saw a dominant performance from the Dodgers’ starter, who limited the Yankees to two runs while striking out ten. Game 2 flipped the script, with the Yankees’ ace delivering a six‑inning gem that left the Dodgers scrambling in the late innings. Game 3 turned into a pitching duel, ending in a narrow win for New York thanks to a clutch home run in the eighth.

With the series tied 2‑2, Game 4 is essentially a do‑or‑die scenario. The team that can lock down a starter who can pitch at least six solid innings will hold a distinct advantage. Both clubs have the talent pool to do just that, but the final call will likely reflect the subtle balance between rest, recent performance, and strategic matchup considerations.

Possible Game‑Day Lineups

While the exact batting order will remain fluid up until the pre‑game show, a typical lineup for each side might look like this:

• Dodgers: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani (DH), Corey Seager, Alex Verdugo, Justin Turner, Gavin Lux, James Outman.
• Yankees: Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Juan Soto, Jose Trevino, Tim Anderson, Jose Iglesias.

Notice the mix of left‑handed and right‑handed power hitters on both rosters – a factor that will directly influence which arm the opposing manager feels most comfortable deploying.

FAQ

Who is the most likely Dodgers starter for Game 4?

Julio Urías is the front‑runner, given his recent workload, proven postseason pedigree, and the extra day of rest after Game 2.

Will Gerrit Cole pitch Game 4 for the Yankees?

If he remains healthy and the bullpen shows signs of fatigue, Cole is the logical choice; otherwise, Nestor Cortes or Clarke Schmidt could step in.

How does the ballpark affect the pitching matchup?

Yankee Stadium’s expansive outfield tends to favor pitchers who induce ground balls, while Dodger Stadium’s mild winds can suppress fly balls, making sinkers and cutters particularly effective.

What impact could a short‑rest start have on the series?

A short‑rest pitcher may struggle with velocity or command, but the element of surprise can sometimes offset fatigue, especially if the opponent hasn’t scouted the pitcher’s recent outings.