3 Dodgers who should be closing playoff games over Craig Kimbrel

1. Chris Martin

The Dodgers acquired Chris Martin at the deadline from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Zach McKinstry. Yet again, this trade has heavily favored the Dodgers thus far as Martin has pitched well in Los Angeles while McKinstry is hitting .214 with a .634 OPS with the Cubs this season.

Martin was not having the best year with the Cubs as he had a 4.31 ERA before being traded, but since coming out west the veteran right-hander has a 1.80 ERA. The Dodgers can fix almost anyone, which makes Kimbrel’s struggles even more concerning.

A 1.80 ERA is impressive enough, but Martin has been even better than that number has indicated — he’s just been a bit unlucky. Since joining the Dodgers, Martin has a wildly impressive 0.50 WHIP and a 1.41 FIP. Even with his stint in Chicago, Martin ranks 20th among all pitchers with 50 IP in FIP this season.

If Dustin May has to be used in the starting rotation with Tony Gonsolin being hurt and Evan Phillips ends up pitching high-leverage spots, then Martin has to be the guy that the Dodgers call on in the ninth inning.

In the end, Treinen cannot be fully trusted as he has not pitched all season and Kimbrel definitely should not be getting the ball in any close game over Martin, assuming he’s well rested and able to throw.

Building the ideal Dodgers lineup for a World Series run

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a lot of talent to shuffle around for the playoffs. Here is what the team's ideal playoff lineup should look like.