LOS ANGELES _ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said rookie right-hander Kenta Maeda will start Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Cubs on Thursday.
On Tuesday afternoon, Roberts had left open the possibility that ace Clayton Kershaw might pitch on short rest. But the Dodgers then took a 2-1 series lead with their 6-0 victory over the Cubs on Tuesday night, and Roberts said he has decided on Maeda.
"I have all the confidence in the world in Kenta that he's going to give us a chance to win a baseball game tomorrow," Roberts said.
Asked if there were any circumstances in which Roberts might consider Kershaw on Thursday, he replied no.
"No, no. Kenta," he said.
Kershaw threw a bullpen session Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, so he likely would line up for Game 6 of the NLCS, if the Cubs force the series to return to Wrigley Field with a win Wednesday or Thursday.
Maeda gave up three earned runs in four innings in the Cubs' 8-4 victory in Game 1 of the NLCS.
It should be noted, however, that Roberts told reporters that Kershaw would "absolutely not" be available in relief in Game 5 of the division series against the Nationals. Kershaw then entered in relief anyway and earned his first career save to push the Dodgers into the NLCS.
