Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Could Be Tipping His Pitches
Without question, this is a potentially big development for Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. In the aftermath of a hard-fought 4-2 loss in game two of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals, something big emerged.
For instance, take a look at the video below which Fabian Ardaya tweets. In fact, watch it several times through. While in the sixth inning of Friday night’s game at Dodger Stadium, the TBS camera crew picks something up.
Is Trea Turner explaining how Clayton Kershaw may be tipping his pitches? pic.twitter.com/oOjsKBhpoi
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) October 5, 2019
Furthermore, what is seen is Nationals’ shortstop Trea Turner showing his hands to outfielder Adam Eaton in between Kershaw deliveries. Now, why would he do this you ask? Obviously, the Nationals have picked up a ‘tell’ in Kershaw’s deliveries.
What this means – Kershaw is doing something as part of routine – that allows the opponent to know what is coming next in terms of pitch type. Moreover, if a big league hitter knows what is coming; well you know what happens usually.
Clayton Kershaw was asked about possible pitch tipping. “I’m not sure,” he said. “I’ll check it out.”
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 5, 2019
Therefore, following the game J.P. Hoornstra asked Kershaw about this possibility of tipping pitches. Notably, Kershaw didn’t shoot down the notion; which is encouraging. Here’s what he had to say regarding the matter:
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I’ll check it out.”
Certainly – it’s not only key that this gets discovered now – but that a veteran is willing to admit something like this and have the willingness to take a look at it. Then, corrections can be made.
Kershaw gets credit for the quality start in Friday night’s game, however he was just not effective enough to get the series to 2-0 Los Angeles. During his start, he struck out four while walking three; in addition he gave up six hits and plunked a couple hitters. In short, it was not vintage Kershaw.
Finally, this is a key development to find early in the playoffs. It’s possible you might recall another Dodgers’ starting pitcher who was supposedly tipping pitches during the postseason. Indeed – that man’s name was Yu Darvish – and it was game seven of the 2017 World Series against the Astros.
If the Dodgers are going to make a title run, Kershaw must get this issue cleaned up.
Oh gee what’s new? A dodger tipping. Our brilliant coaches and players never seem to notice either
Dave Roberts sucks. Its time for Mike Scioscia to jump on board.
Sad to say, this postseason sure will be an early exit for the Dodgers. Again, don’t count on Kershaw or Bellinger to come through in clutch situation. Kershaw only has one reliable pitch – slider. Forget about his slow fastball and curveball. Bellinger is swinging like he did in the 2017 playoffs, trying to pull the ball on every pitch hoping he can make contact, he just looked like he’s completely lost his confidence at the plate. These two guys no matter how well they played in the regular season, will always be the biggest playoff busts. It’s as simple as that. Very frustrating for Dodgers fans.
I don’t understand why the Dodgers seem to always draft and develop choke artists. There’s some hope with Buehler and possibly Gonsolin but we never have the clutch hitter
Perhaps because of where Dodgers have been finishing in the NL standings each year, lower level type draft picks, many of which may never make it to an MLB field.
The bottom line the Dodgers won’t make it to the world series I’ll be surprised if they even make it out of the Post season…it looks like the Nationals might take this one … hopefully I’m wrong.
He has no heat. Nothing fancier or deeper than that. He is a junk ball pitcher whose curveball was AWOL last night.
Command was not here early. 2 of the 3 runs came from free passes, Walk and 2 hit batters. Hits were on pitches right down the middle. 3 runs in 6 inning was not horrible. What was horrible the flailing swings of the hitters. 17 strikeouts. 90% on balls out of the zone. Were are the Dodgers who raised the pitch count by not swinging at bad pitches? Washington bullpen is weak so make Strasburg and Scherzer throw strikes.
Why are all of your articles written like a research paper? I don’t think I can take much more of (therefore, moreover, furthermore) finally, you’re a fine writer and your articles contain good info, please just lighten up, you’re not being graded.
October 7, 2019, the day Dodger’s season will officially end…but I want to be proven wrong of course.
what a bunch of pathetic so called fans. So expected all of this BS!