Two years ago, when the Dodgers closed out both the NLCS and the World Series, it wasn’t closer Kenley Jansen on the mound. It was Julio Urias, who had made just one relief appearance in the regular season.
Last year, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts again used Urias in relief in the postseason, this time with less optimal results, as the lefty blew a lead against the Braves in Game 2 of the NLCS.
This year, Urias is finishing up his finest season as a big-leaguer, leading the National League in ERA and heading for a strong showing in the Cy Young Award voting.