What happened: Jon Heyman favors Carlos Rodon for Game 3 of the wild-card series, saving Gerrit Cole to open the division series if the club advances. Heyman concedes the club is unlikely to align the rotation that way, adding Rodon has been dominant lately.
Why it matters: Game 3 of a wild-card series decides advancement, so the order balances current form against postseason experience. That contrast is sharp with Gerrit Cole coming off home-run trouble while Rodon has surged down the stretch.
By the numbers: Over his last four starts, Rodon has thrown 25.1 innings with a 1.42 ERA, 28 strikeouts and seven walks.
What to watch: Watch how the club orders its rotation as the wild-card series approaches.