Dodgers News: Mattingly Convinced Of Kershaw’s MVP Case

With all that has been said of Clayton Kershaw this season, his numbers continue to speak for themselves. Whether it’s his 18-3 record, or 1.67 ERA, or any stat, the southpaw has proven to be the best pitcher in all of baseball.

After another Kershaw-esque outing on Monday in which he allowed one earned run over eight innings, talk of Kershaw’s case for the National League MVP continued. Manager Don Mattingly has already given Kershaw his support, and he again discussed some of the value the ace of his staff brings to the table, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

You really can count on him going six innings, even if he’s getting knocked around. So he helps you the day after too, because you’re bullpen is rested. There’s definitely [added] value in what he does.”

The last pitcher to win the MVP award was Justin Verlander in 2011. However, the last National League pitcher to win the MVP award was Bob Gibson in 1968. Kershaw currently leads all of baseball in wins, ERA, WHIP and complete games, among other statistical categories.

Mattingly also stated the work Kershaw put in this season has helped bolster his chances:

But as a manager, I’ve seen the value of him stopping a [losing] streak, and last night extending [a winning] streak… It’s hard for a pitcher to be in that conversation, but he’s going to be. Last year he pitched the same way, we didn’t get him runs and the breaks weren’t going his way. Honestly, I’d like to continue seeing Clayton doing stuff people haven’t done before.”

The success Kershaw’s had this season has been nothing short of remarkable. On top of throwing his first career no-hitter, he had a 41-inning scoreless streak and won 11 consecutive games. The two-time Cy Young award winner has three more starts in the regular season to add to his MVP case.
[divide] Clayton Kershaw’s Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Event