The Los Angeles Dodgers have had issues in terms of pitching depth all season long, but now that they are just six wins away from a second consecutive World Series title, there is a razor thin margin for error.
More news: Former Dodgers GM Reveals Insane Story of How LA Almost Didn’t Draft Clayton Kershaw
One of the pitchers who made the NLCS roster despite struggles in the NLDS is future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. Although he has earned a roster spot with his illustrious body of work alone, general manager Brandon Gomes recently discussed on MLB Network why the three-time Cy Young award winner is the right man for the job.
When asked if it was a difficult decision to include Kershaw on the roster, Gomes answered honestly about the Dodgers legend.
“No, I think Kersh means so much to this team and what he means as a teammate and what he can go out and do on the mound, we felt like it was important for him to be a part of the group and going out there and we know that he’s gonna help us win games in a lot of different ways,” Gomes said. “We’re excited that we have hopefully a few more series with Kersh as part of the Dodgers.”
When Kershaw appeared in relief during NLDS Game 3, he looked far from his sharpest. Across two innings of work, he allowed four earned runs off six hits (two of which were home runs) and walked three batters.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman didn’t make an excuse for the southpaw, but did note a few factors that wouldn’t show up on the box score.
“I think it’s something, the outing he had against the Phillies, it had been a long period of time between throwing and it’s a different role,” Friedman said. “He would never make that excuse, but it was very uncharacteristic command from him, which you think of command and you think of Clayton Kershaw.
“So I think him having experienced that will be helpful. His mindset all along has been, I want to do whatever I can to help us win. And he’s embodied that. And I would bet on him to be a part of helping us win this [NLCS] series.”
Kershaw hasn’t pitched in either of the first two games of the NLCS as LA’s starting pitching has been dominant, taking down 17 of the 18 innings.
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Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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4 Responses
I really wanted to see him on the roster, he’s been great and had an excellent season. Not to mention he seems like a good guy, which shouldn’t count at this point, but how do you not consider it.
But… as I stated a few days ago, coming in from the ‘pen is not a role he’s accustomed to nor done well in his limited outings doing so. I’m not sure that’s a wise idea.
On the other hand, I could see him starting and just projecting to 5, maybe 6 innings, maybe just 4, and letting one of the young guns come in from there and have a 2 pitcher game, but without really involving the traditional bullpen. Think about it. And what do you think?
I don’t think they can have him start with the way the other guys are pitching so well. But I do expect him to take another inning or 2 down at some point
I agree that having Kersh start a game and give the team 4 or 5 innings would fit his talents and experiences much better. I could see Emmitt coming in to back him up. I am so glad that Clayton is on the roster and part of the team. He has earned the right to be in this battle to the end. I literally tear up at the thought of not seeing 22 on the team next year. He is one of a kind and has been the face of the Dodgers for almost everyone of his 18 seasons.
I expect to see him at least once more this postseason, but with the way the starters are going, it may not be anytime soon haha. Either way he played a pivotal role all year long and more than earned a ring if LA wins it all