Dodgers Nats Position-by-Position Breakdown

Second Base: Chase Utley vs Daniel Murphy

Another matchup impacted by injury.

Utley began the season on fire with extremely impressive numbers for a 37-year-old. However, he hit a wall in June and never really recovered.

His overall numbers were mostly fine, but Utley finished with a barely below-average wRC+ (97) and 2.1 fWAR, tied for 18th among qualified second basemen. He’s not a prototypical leadoff hitter, but his value goes far beyond his numbers. The leadership and lowkey craziness he brings to this team has a ton of value, and he seems to be beloved by his teammates.

That being said, Murphy absolutely smokes him in this matchup. As a Met last season, Murphy was incredible in the postseason. He posted a .328/.391/.724(!) triple slash in 64 plate appearances and hit a homer in seven of the Mets’ first nine postseason games. He only had three hits (all singles) in five World Series games, but Murphy essentially beat the Dodgers and Cubs on his own. Some dummies (me) thought Murphy was having a hot month and were happy when he signed with the Nationals, surely as an overpay.

Murphy, the loser, didn’t even win the batting title this season. It was snatched away from him by DJ LeMaheiu, who literally hit .348. Instead, Murphy only hit .347/.390/.595 with 25 homers and a 9.8 percent strikeout rate. which was the sixth-lowest in baseball among qualified hitters. His defense isn’t exactly great at second, but Murphy was the best offensive player on the team that scored the eighth-most runs in baseball this season.

Murphy is banged up right now, as he missed time at the end of the season with a glute issue. He’s expected to be in there for game one, and if he’s close to 100 percent, this is a huge National advantage.

GIGANTIC ADVANTAGE: Nationals