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Dakota Hudson SP | LAA
Cardinals' Dakota Hudson: Expected to start Game 4 of NLDS
Hudson is expected to start Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Braves, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.
The 25-year-old is being targeted to start a potential Game 4 of the NLDS after Adam Wainwright was tabbed as the starter for the third game due to his postseason experience. Hudson's status could change if he is needed in relief for the first two games of the series, where he is expected to be available out of the bullpen. The right-hander recorded 32 starts in 2019 but struggled slightly with control, allowing 86 walks and a 1.41 WHIP.
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Daniel Ponce de Leon RP | WAS
Cardinals' Daniel Ponce de Leon: Makes NLDS roster
Ponce de Leon is on the roster for the National League Division Series against the Braves.
The 27-year-old only made three appearances in September but will be available out of the bullpen for the NLDS. Ponce de Leon carries a 3.70 ERA with 52 strikeouts over 13 appearances (eight starts) in 2019.
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Dakota Hudson SP | LAA
Cardinals' Dakota Hudson: Will be ready in bullpen
Hudson will be available out of the bullpen for the first and second games of the National League Division Series, Jim Hayes of FOX Sports Midwest reports.
With Miles Mikolas and Jack Flaherty expected to start the first two games of the NLDS for the Cardinals, Hudson will be ready to provide relief should either of the starters struggle early. Hudson was effective in September, recording a 2.33 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched over five starts. The 25-year-old struggled to limit base runners during that time, allowing 18 walks and 15 hits, but his ability to cap run production could prove useful for St. Louis against the potent Braves lineup.
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Josh Hader RP | HOU
Brewers' Josh Hader: Blown save, loss in playoff
Hader blew the save and took the loss against Washington in Tuesday's NL Wild Card Game. He was charged with three runs (two earned) on two hits and one walk.
The Nationals rallied to take the lead against Hader with two outs in the eighth inning. His inning went as follows: strikeout, hit by pitch, strikeout, broken-bat single, walk, single. Right fielder Trent Grisham misread Juan Soto's base knock with the bases loaded and let the ball get by him, allowing the winning run to score. Hader also blew a save in a critical spot in the second-to-last game of the regular season and the long ball was a problem throughout the campaign. The Brewers will be getting Corey Knebel (elbow) back next year, but despite all that Hader has a case to be among the top five relievers off the board in 2020.
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Joe Kelly RP | LAD
Dodgers' Joe Kelly: Hurls six pitches in return
Kelly pitched two-thirds of an inning against the Giants on Sunday, retiring both hitters on groundouts.
It was an uneventful return for Kelly, who has been dealing with an undisclosed physical ailment and had not pitched since Sept. 18. He needed only six pitches to retire both hitters he faced in the brief outing. Despite Kelly's recent lack of appearances, the right-hander is expected to be ready to contribute when the NLDS begins Thursday.
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Dereck Rodriguez RP | ATL
Giants' Dereck Rodriguez: Shelled in loss
Rodriguez (6-11) lasted just 1.2 innings while giving up five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two as he took the loss in the Giants' 9-0 defeat to the Dodgers on Sunday.
Madison Bumgarner was originally lined up to start this one but was dropped in favor of Rodriguez who probably reminded Manager Bruce Bochy why he was dropped from the rotation earlier this month. The right-hander finished the season with a 5.64 ERA over 99 innings, a year after his impressive rookie campaign in which he posted a 2.81 ERA through 118.1 innings. Rodriguez will have some things to work on in the offseason as he hopes to turn things around again in 2020.