Kershaw, who threw 101 pitches in five innings while allowing three runs on Sunday, will be pitching on three days' rest. In his three postseason opportunities pitching on short rest, Kershaw has recorded a 1.89 ERA. He most completed seven innings of one-run ball against the New York Mets in Game 4 of the 2015 NLDS.
Having Kershaw pitch today allows Roberts to throw left-hander Rich Hill, the Dodgers' Game 2 starter, on short rest in Game 5, if necessary, or have him available as a reliever. Hill would have been available for Game 5 had Game 2 not been postponed because of rain.