Now he’s trying to lead them to the World Series

What if Jack Flaherty was never traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers?

That almost happened this season when the New York Yankees “had a tentative trade agreement,” according to baseball insider Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal said on foul territory that the Yankees took a look at Flaherty’s medical and backed out to open the door to the Dodgers, and that Flaherty had no problems with his back.

Flaherty delivered one of the most impressive pitching performances in Dodgers postseason history, allowing just two hits in seven scoreless innings. His dominant performance helped the Dodgers to a commanding 9-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night.

“It was,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “just a pitching clinic.”

“They just didn’t look comfortable all day,” said Tommy Edman, Flaherty’s former teammate with the St. Louis Cardinals. “That was definitely up there in terms of how good-looking I think he is.”

“He has an aura,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “He has intensity about him. He had a great year, obviously had great years in the past, and we’re lucky to have him pitching for us in the postseason and giving us shutouts.”

Flaherty, who joined Detroit on a one-year deal in 2023 after a difficult season split between the Cardinals and Orioles, pitched well with a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts for the Tigers. After being traded to the Dodgers, he posted a 6-2 record and a 3.55 ERA in 10 regular-season starts, finishing the year strong.

“I think we are bringing Jack in at the perfect time as he is an experienced player, he has been through a lot, ups and downs, and found his way back,” Roberts said. “This is certainly a childhood dream for him and his family. We just knew he could handle that market, handle pitching in a playoff game and start a playoff game. That wasn’t really a surprise for us.

“Like I said tonight [before the game]I think he’s going to spit out a really good song tonight. The moment just won’t be too big for Jack.”

Flaherty now has the opportunity to send the Dodgers to the World Series. He takes the mound in Game 5, a potential win at Citi Field.