For the first time all season, a healthy Kiké Hernandez is not in the starting lineup for the Dodgers against a left-handed pitcher. Though extenuating circumstances may have played a role in the decision, at least for Saturday against the Giants.
San Francisco didn’t announce its Saturday starter, Ty Blach, until after Friday night’s game. Coupled with Christian Friedrich in San Diego on Thursday, then Madison Bumgarner and Matt Moore on Friday and Sunday in San Francisco, that makes four consecutive left-handed starters to end the regular season.
Left-handed batters Joc Pederson and Chase Utley start in center field and at second base, respectively on Saturday.