catcher

PHILADELPHIA — When Clayton Kershaw was left off the Dodgers’ roster for the best-of-three wild card round against the Cincinnati Reds, it marked the first time since his 2008 rookie season that he pitch didn’t in one of the team’s playoff series when healthy.

But on Saturday, ahead of Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers decided to add Kershaw back in the mix, ensuring he will likely get the chance to take the mound at least one more time before entering retirement this offseason.

Kershaw and fellow left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda were the only two changes the Dodgers made to their NLDS roster Saturday, swapping them in on an 11-man pitching staff in place of multi-inning left-hander Justin Wrobleski (who didn’t pitch in the wild card series) and rookie right-hander Edgardo Henriquez (who walked two batters and gave up a hit while recording no outs in Game 1 against the Reds).

The Dodgers made no changes to their 15-man position player group from the wild card round, once again keeping three catchers on the roster (as Will Smith continues to recover from a fractured hand) as well as speedy defensive specialists Justin Deal and Hyeseong Kim.

Kershaw’s return was had been expected, even before manager Dave Roberts officially confirmed on Friday that the future Hall of Famer would be on the roster for the NLDS.

First and foremost, the Dodgers will need added left-handed pitching depth to combat a Phillies lineup that includes left-handed threats like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott. That’s why Banda was included as well.

But Kershaw, who went 11-2 this season with a 3.36 ERA, also gives the Dodgers a steady veteran presence out of the bullpen (where he is expected to pitch).

They missed that in the wild-card round, when a string of younger pitchers struggled to consistently find the strike zone while pitching in relief.

Thus, they will be hoping their 18-year veteran can provide it, in what would be his final career postseason series if the Dodgers don’t advance.

The only other major roster question facing the Dodgers entering this series is at catcher. Roberts said Friday that Smith “will be available to catch” in this NLDS, but was unsure if he’d be able to start right away in Game 1. Smith, who has taken only live at-bats in the last week while nursing his injury, did not appear in the wild-card series despite being on the roster. He took more live at-bats during the team’s Friday night workout at Citizens Bank Park.

Many households will experience dampness later in the year, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to tackle it.

The Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber is one solution shoppers are trying, and it only costs £17.99 from Lakeland.

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Absodry Mini Moisture
Absorber, £17.99

Condensation on windows is commonly caused by warm air hitting a cold surface, which means it increases when outside temperatures drop.

Autumnal weather is here, and leaving condensation to build up can lead to longer-term problems, like damp.

The Lakeland Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber is a new solution, launched just in time for the latter part of the year.

Unlike large dehumidifiers that are expensive and can take up lots of space, a moisture absorber could do the trick for targeting specific areas.

Due to its small size, it can be placed on windowsills or in tight corners, plus you can move it around to tackle different rooms.

It contains absorbent crystals, which soak up excess moisture from the air and collect it as water which can then be emptied.

Unlike the bead-filled bags you can buy, these are neatly tucked away within the minimal outer shell, which comes in five colours.

The bags last up to 90 days, and you can buy inexpensive refills on Lakeland’s website when you need a replacement. 

One handy thing is that because the dehumidifier alternative requires no power, it won’t run up your electricity bill like a large gadget could.

Although it’s very newly launched, shoppers have started leaving their feedback on the Absodry Mini Moisture Absorber, praising how effective it is.

One shopper said: ‘’Great little unit, takes moisture out of my room, wake up in morning and doesn’t feel damp – great product.’’

Another shopper commented: ‘’I like the look of this item and have two.

‘’I have placed them in my bedrooms on the window sill.

‘’They are collecting moisture well, but on the colder nights there is still a little on the windows.’’

A third shopper added: ‘’I was given an Absodry Mini by someone who purchased it from Lakeland, its collected so much moisture from the air which is in my Bedroom.

‘’I’ve seen it reduce the condensation I get on my windows in the morning, I recommend getting one, I’m going to purchase the larger Absodry for my bathroom next as its always an issue when I shower.’’

Absodry Mini Moisture
Absorber, £17.99

If you’ve got larger rooms and are looking for a more drastic fix, our round-up of the best dehumidifiers is worth taking a look at.

During the winter months, the best heated throws are great for keeping warm and cosy when you’re relaxing in bed or on the sofa.