MLB Postseason 2016: Clayton Kershaw will start NLDS Game 4 for Dodgers

Kershaw will be going on three days' rest

With their backs up against the wall, the Dodgers are going with their best in Game 4 of the NLDS on Tuesday afternoon. Clayton Kershaw, not Julio Urias, will get the ball. Kershaw will be on three days' rest.

The Nationals lead the best-of-five series 2-1, so Thursday is an elimination game for the Dodgers. They can't worry about a potential Game 5 until they win Game 4. Once the team went silent about their Game 4 starter following their Game 3 loss on Monday, it was clear Kershaw would be the guy.

Kershaw has started on three days' rest several times in his career, including the last few postseasons. The results have been a mixed bag, though last year he held the Mets to one run on three hits in seven innings on short rest in Game 4 of the NLDS. That was also an elimination game.

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Of course, Kershaw missed more than two months with a back problem earlier this season, which surely factored into the team's decision. They want to win Game 4, no doubt, but they also want to keep Kershaw healthy short and long-term.

The Nationals will counter with young right-hander Joe Ross in Game 4. Max Scherzer will then get the ball either in Game 5 of the NLDS or Game 1 of the NLCS. Urias figures to start a potential Game 5 for the Dodgers.