Dodgers News: Freddie Freeman Knows Clayton Kershaw is Far From 100% But He’s Not Worried
Clayton Kershaw is taking the mound for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yes, Kershaw has been dealing with an ailing shoulder issue. And yes, Kershaw’s velocity is way down from what it was in the beginning of the season. But Kershaw is a future Hall of Famer for a reason, which is why his teammates have full confidence in him coming through with a dominant Game 1 performance.
On Friday, at the Dodgers Media Day ahead of Saturday’s Game 1, Freddie Freeman talked about the team’s confidence in having their ace on the mound for the series opener.
“He’s the first one to tell you he hasn’t been feeling 100 percent and he goes out there and gives you everything he’s got,” Freeman said. “The velocity is 88-89 (miles-per-hour) right now and with that slider it’s still Clayton Kershaw. When he steps on the mound, you just feel good. You’re not going to feel good every day, but when you’re a competitor like he is, you just find ways. You find ways to be able to compete, you grind, you do everything you can between starts to do the best you can and what he’s been able to do that last couple months with the way he’s felt, it’s inspiring.”
Via Dodgers Nation YouTube
The team will play inspired baseball behind Kershaw, as they look to get the much-needed Game 1 victory and start to right the wrongs of last year’s postseason.
They’ll have their future Hall of Famer on the mound, and the bats will look to get him some run support to allow him to cruise through five solid innings.
But at the end of the day, with run support or not, the confidence is there in Kershaw.
“There’s a reason Hall of Famers are Hall of Famers,” Freeman said, “and this is another chapter to Clayton Kershaw that just solidifies everything he’s ever been about.”
Via Dodgers Nation YouTube
Saturday’s Game 1 begins at 6:20 p.m. PT. Expect to see a motivated Kershaw from the very first pitch.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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