Arizona Diamondbacks: Much anticipated NLDS against Dodgers begins

By Joseph Jacquez

Oct 6, 2017

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 04: Jake Lamb #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a single during the first inning of the National League Wild Card game against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on October 4, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 04: Jake Lamb #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a single during the bottom of the first inning of the National League Wild Card game against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on October 4, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Playing time for Jake Lamb

It is no secret that Jake Lamb has struggled against lefties this season.

In 132 at-bats against southpaws in 2017, Lamb hit .144 with a .269 on-base percentage. The 26-year-old third baseman struck 54 times against lefties this season and has a career average of .159 in 309 at-bats.

But, Lamb went 4-for-5 in the wild card game, which included a hit off a left-handed pitcher. Kershaw could start game five, and fellow lefties Rich Hill and Alex Wood will start games two and four respectively.

So that leaves Lamb with a start in game three against right-hander Yu Darvish on Monday night at Chase Field and pinch hit at-bats against Dodger relievers. If Kershaw, Hill or Wood are chased early, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo could also double switch Lamb into the game early.

So what will Lovullo do? We will get some answers shortly, at least for game one anyways.