LOS ANGELES -- Previously scheduled to pitch on Sunday in the Dodgers' final home game of the regular season, Rich Hill will instead have to wait until the final series of the season at San Francisco. Brandon McCarthy will start in his place, returning from a month-long stint on the disabled list with right hip stiffness.
The Dodgers chose to scratch Hill due to continued concerns about a blister that forced him to miss a month earlier in the season and more recently ended a perfect game in the making after seven innings on Sept. 11. With the National League West nearly in hand, the Dodgers' priority is to now make sure HIll is ready to give them as many innings as they need in the playoffs.
"We've put ourselves in the position that we have the flexibility, or luxury, to do this," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "With the blister and how we've had to manage it since the trade, I think this gives him the best chance going forward to go deeper in a game."
McCarthy will start in Hill's place as the right-hander returns from an injury that led to severe problems with his fastball command. Roberts also announced that rookie José De León will start on Tuesday and Kenta Maeda on Wednesday.
Scott Kazmir might not make another start after leaving Friday's game with right intercostal spasms. Roberts said the veteran is currently receiving treatment, but nothing has been decided with him yet.