Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Not a Fan of His Midseason Break
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is set to return to the Dodger Stadium mound on Thursday when LA takes on the Colorado Rockies.
It’ll be a rerun of sorts for the left-hander.
Kershaw’s last start was in late June in Denver against those same Rockies, an outing where he was masterful over six innings of one-hit ball but had to exit early because of shoulder soreness, an ailment that had sidelined him since.
But Kershaw’s extended absence is finally over, and the future Hall of Famer is ready to go.
Midseason breaks? He’s not a fan of those.
“I’ve never been a guy who believes resting in the middle of a season is a good thing. Hopefully, I’m wrong,” said Kershaw.
“I think if you’re able to pitch, you should pitch. I think your body gets used to a certain thing during the season and a lot of change in routine is not a good thing. I mean, if you can’t pitch, you can’t pitch obviously. And mentally, too – I understand how some people enjoy the mental break from it all. But it’s definitely worse for me. Definitely not a good thing.”
via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register
Kershaw has a chance to resume what’s been another standout season for him. He’s again reestablished himself as the Dodgers’ ace, to the tune of a 2.55 ERA when the injured list came calling.
But for the 35-year-old, it’s more about the action of pitching than anything else.
“At the end of the day, I’d rather go out there and fail than not pitch at all,” he said. “I’m not worried about failing. I’ve done that plenty of times. I’m just excited to go out and compete again.”
via OC Register
But knowing what Kershaw’s done over the course of 16 seasons, the chances of success for him both on Thursday and going forward is higher than not.
And he’ll return to a rotation that needs him.
The Dodgers starting five is improving — especially with the addition of Lance Lynn last month — but the rotation has been hampered by injuries throughout the year, mainly with Kershaw’s ailment and Julio Urias’ struggle with a groin injury.
Through all of that though, LA continues to push their division lead, and they have an opportunity to take an even firmer grip on the NL West over the next month.
It’s been an uncharacteristic year for LA, one filled with injuries and inconsistency, but now they finally look like they’ve found their usual rhythm.
And they’ll get the biggest of all reinforcements to add to their smoothly running operation on Thursday.
And Kershaw’s looking forward to being a part of it.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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