“It’s going to be fun” Dodgers 210-win legend returns for first fall ball start…ERA 4.22 ‘nightmare over’
“It’s exciting to be able to do it anytime, any day. It’s going to be fun.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have clinched the National League Division Series, have confirmed 210-win legend Clayton Kershaw (35) as their first choice for fall baseball. “Kershaw’s next start will be Game 1 of the division series, a week from Saturday at Dodger Stadium,” The Athletic reported on Aug. 2.
The Dodgers are 100-62 with a .617 winning percentage, second in the National League behind the Atlanta Braves (104-58 with a .642 winning percentage). The two clubs advanced directly to the best-of-five division series, which begins on Aug. 8. The Dodgers will meet the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers-Arizona Diamondbacks wild-card series.
“It’s a pretty easy decision,” manager Dave Roberts told The Athletic of Kershaw’s decision to start the postseason. Kershaw is 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts this season. He returned as the ace of the Dodgers’ starting rotation after a string of injuries. His 210 wins are tied for second on the Dodgers’ all-time wins list.
This is arguably the weakest starting lineup in recent years. Kershaw and Bobby Miller are the one-two punch, but Roberts chose Kershaw over Miller, who has no postseason experience. Kershaw has been dealing with nagging back and shoulder injuries this year, but the Dodgers have no other options and have a lot of faith in him.먹튀검증
After receiving the call, Kershaw said, “It’s exciting to be able to do it, anytime. It’s going to be fun. I didn’t even think I could be here. I didn’t really expect it, but I’m here, and I’m going to be ready.”
It’s been a while since Kershaw has started a postseason game. In fact, his postseason record isn’t great. In 38 career postseason games (31 starts), he’s 13-12 with a 4.22 ERA, one hold and one save. Last year, he started one game and had a 5.40 ERA. He hasn’t won a postseason game in two years since 2020, when he went 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts to help the Dodgers win the World Series.
Roberts has high hopes. He addressed the retirement speculation again. “He’s a very humble player. It could potentially be his last regular-season game for the Dodgers, but he’s trying not to get too deep into it. I don’t think Kershaw wants to do that (retire),” he said.
Article courtesy of My Daily