Catchers: Yasmani Grandal vs. Jose Lobaton/Pedro Severino
The battle of the catchers looked much different until last week before Wilson Ramos tore his ACL. Now, you have to think this matchup leans more towards the Dodgers because they have the everyday catcher.
While Grandal doesn’t hit for a high batting average (.228), he had 26 home runs this year, which was a career-high. Like the rest of this lineup, Grandal struggles against lefties (.177), but he has hit six home runs in each of the last three months of the season.
Earlier in the year, Grandal hit a game-winning three-run home run off Tanner Roark at Dodger Stadium during that Los Angeles sweep. His nine home runs with runners in scoring position were the most of any Dodger this season. Grandal’s backup, Carlos Ruiz, has postseason experience from his time with the Phillies. But, he is at the latter stage of his career.
With Ramos out, catcher isn’t going to be an offensive strength for the Nats this postseason. With that being said, Jose Lobaton is a good catcher to throw to for the Washington Nationals pitching staff. Plus, Pedro Severino has shown a cannon of an arm behind the plate and he has some offense to his game.
Advantage: This category goes to the Dodgers because of Grandal’s ability to impact a game late with the bat. Washington may have the defensive edge with Lobaton, but Grandal’s offense was the difference.