PHOENIX -- Jeff Mathis' walk-off hit in the 15th inning of Monday night's 8-7 loss to the D-backs deprived Dodgers fans of the chance to see left fielder Joc Pederson pitch and pitcher Kenta Maeda play left field.
That was manager Dave Roberts' plan if the game had gone to the 16th inning. He had already used all eight of his relievers, Wilmer Font being the last and having added 4 1/3 innings Monday night to the one he threw Sunday night.
Roberts had already gone through his four-man bench. So, during the top of the 15th inning, Pederson started warming up in the underground batting cage, throwing to Maeda.
Roberts said he chose Maeda for the outfield because he's the best shagger among the Dodgers' starting pitchers. Roberts said he chose Pederson to pitch "by default" after surveying the available candidates on the field. Next in line to pitch behind Pederson would have been right fielder Yasiel Puig.
"Battle of attrition," Roberts said.
Rich Hill watched Pederson and Maeda warming up.
"Joc has a good changeup," said Hill.
"That was my fastball," said Pederson.