Merrill Kelly, 35, of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has earned the honor of starting Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS).

The Diamondbacks, who advanced through the Wild Card Series, will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-five NLDS beginning on April 8.

Ahead of the NLDS, Arizona announced its starting pitchers for Game 1. After using ace Zach Gallon in the Wild Card Series, Arizona chose Kelly to start Game 1.

Not only will Kelly be making his first postseason start in his five-year major league career, but he will also be honored with one of the most important Game 1 starts of the short season.

The Dodgers’ starting pitcher will be the veteran of the bunch, Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers chose Kershaw over Bobby Miller.

Kelly has pitched 177 2/3 innings in 30 games this season, going 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA. He struck out 187 batters.토토사이트

It’s the second straight year he’s posted a sub-3 ERA after last year. Kelly is currently Arizona’s second most reliable starter behind Gallon.

However, he hasn’t had much fun against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who he will face head-to-head. He’s faced them four times this season with no wins, two losses, and a 3.98 ERA.

In his first postseason start in five years, Kelly is facing the most important game of his career.

It will be interesting to see how Kelly fares in Game 1 for Arizona, which is outpitched by the Los Angeles Dodgers in overall power.