Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Confirms the Obvious As the Postseason Looms
Before Saturday’s victory over the San Francisco Giants, Dodger manager Dave Roberts confirmed both Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller will start the first two games of the NLDS. The order probably will be determined when the Dodgers know which team they will face. Both Kershaw and Miller have been the most reliable starters this season.
Many Dodger fans think Kershaw should start Game 1 of the NLDS out of respect. World championships aren’t won out of respect. Kershaw doesn’t care about respect. He wants another world championship on his Hall of Fame resume.
Since Kershaw has a balky left shoulder, he doesn’t need the added stress of winning Game 1. His last two starts have been good, and he recovered his ordinary excellent command. He’s still adjusting to decreased velocity but said on Saturday night that he feels he’s trending in the right direction. The Dodgers limited his outing to 75 pitches to help protect his troublesome shoulder. If Kershaw needs to be relieved early, the Dodgers can handle this better in the second game of the series because they have an off day before the third game to rest their wonderful bullpen.
This season Kershaw has proven an ability to win even when he doesn’t have his best stuff working. If the Dodgers lose Game 1, Kershaw can stop the losing streak.
The emergence of Miller has surprised many people. Over the season, Miller has learned to be a great major league starter with four super pitches. He has learned how to control his emotions while on the mound. Twice, Miller has beaten the Atlanta Braves, the best team in baseball.
Having both Miller and Kershaw on the mound for the first two games in the NLDS gives the Dodgers a good chance of winning and advancing to the NLCS.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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