Clayton Kershaw Believes Dodgers Have a Bright Future on the Mound
The Dodgers were unable to make a big splash in free agency this past offseason, opening up the door for young talent to showcase what they can do in the MLB. Now that the team is getting a glance at what the future could look like, nobody is having more fun watching the rookies than Clayton Kershaw.
With five rookies currently on the roster and many more being called up this season due to injury, the Dodgers have not seen this much young talent in their clubhouse since their run of nine division titles in 10 years started.
For veterans like Kershaw, it is a nice change of pace to see what the future of Dodgers look like.
“I think it’s been fun. We really haven’t had this influx of young guys. Usually it’s like one, maybe two a year. This year, I mean, we’ve got a clubhouse full of them. It’s not like when I first came up, you know? These guys come up and they’re not in awe or in shock of anything. I think they’re pretty comfortable in a Major League Clubhouse and they come up and do their job.”
Via AM570 LA Sports Radio
Coming into this week’s series against the Chicago White Sox, the Dodgers will showcase one of their rookie pitchers, Michael Grove in the finale of the three-game set.
Through his first five games started, Grove has struggled a little bit with a 8.28 ERA.
Grove isn’t the only rookie who has taken the mound for the Dodgers so far this season. Both Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone made their major league debuts at one point this season.
Miller has had the most success so far on the mound out of the pitchers to make their debuts. In his first four career starts, Miller has put up historical numbers with a 0.78 ERA and a WHIP under one.
Stone on the other hand, had a short stint in the majors and is now continuing his development at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Not only is Kershaw excited for the future on the mound, he is liking the way the rookies are playing both at bat and in the field.
“I think Dodgers have a good future on the mound and obviously with Outy (James Outman) and Vargy (Miguel Vargas) on the position side it’s kind of fun to see all these young guys.”
James Outman has been one of the best rookies in Major League Baseball as he started off the season as the April NL Rookie of the Month. Even though he has cooled off since then, Outman is ninth among rookies in OPS and fourth in RBIs.
Vargas is also having a solid rookie season, batting .226 with six homers and 28 RBIs.
As more players get called up, the Dodgers should be getting more excited to get a sneak peek at what the future could hold for the team.
