Matt Harvey will make his postseason debut on Monday night in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers. (AP)
Game 3 of a best of five series which is currently tied at one game apiece is always exciting however, with the looming aftermath from Game 2, the Dodgers and Mets match up looks to be the highlight of this week’s postseason games. Baseball as a whole is divided on whether there should be a rule that prohibits runners from trying to break up a double play by sliding into the second baseman after Ruben Tejada broke his right leg on Saturday night at Dodgers Stadium after Chase Utley slid into him trying to prevent a double play. Now, the Mets are back on their turf and will host a playoff game for the first time since 2006. Needless to say, Mets’ fans at Citi Field will be ready and waiting to cheer on their home team.
The Matchup:
The Dodgers will send LHP Brett Anderson (3.69, 10-9) to the hill on Monday night to try and break the tie. Anderson has only appeared in one other postseason game in his career so this is somewhat unchartered territory for the 27 year old. Anderson doesn’t have a lot of experience against this Mets’ lineup. Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson and Kelly Johnson have all faced the lefty but only Granderson has had success, hitting .714 in 7 at-bats which includes a homer and 4 RBIs.
The Mets will counter with RHP Matt Harvey (2.71, 13-8), who, just about a month ago, some wondered would actually play in the playoffs if the Mets were in contention. The time has come, and now is Harvey’s time to make his Major League postseason debut and help the Mets take the lead in this tied NLDS. Harvey is more familiar with this Dodgers’ lineup, especially with Chase Utley who has 18 at-bats against the righty, hitting .333 with a homer and 2 RBIs,but has just been suspended for the next two games, rookie Joc Pederson also has a career homer against Harvey as does Adrian Gonzalez.
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