Editorials

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Scratched From Start Against A’s

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE (July 29, 3:30 p.m. PT): Clayton Kershaw was officially scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics. Mike Bolsinger starts in his place with Kershaw now lined up to take the mound Friday in the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

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With the Los Angeles Dodgers very much in the thick of trade talks and rumors as Friday’s non-waiver deadline looms, their starting rotation for the latter portion of the week and into the weekend remained somewhat of a fluid situation.

Brett Anderson faced his former team Tuesday night, returning from a sore Achilles. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw was expected to take the bump Wednesday in the finale of the two-game series against the Oakland Athletics, but that will not be the case as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported:

Whereas pitchers getting scratched from starts this time of year may be due to their inclusion in a trade, Kershaw’s situation is reportedly tied to a some soreness:

Mike Bolsinger will replace Kershaw on Wednesday night, according to co-host of Dodger Talk David Vassegh:

As Rosenthal notes, the Dodgers are acquiring Mat Latos, Michael Morse and the Miami Marlins’ competitive balance draft pick in exchange for three pitching prospects. After seeing subpar results through the early stages of the season, Kershaw is the midst of a stretch reminiscent to his 2014 National League MVP campaign.

Over four July starts, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-0 with a 0.27 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched. Opponents are batting just .162/.183/.188 during that span and Kershaw currently owns a 29-inning scoreless streak.

Bolsinger was originally penciled in for a start on Friday or Saturday, which was dependent on whether Zack Greinke would be given an additional day of rest. After a few tough-luck outings, Bolsinger bounced back with seven strong innings against the Atlanta Braves on July 22.

His ability to effectively get a breaking ball over left the Braves frustrated, which led to some yelling critical remarks in Bolsinger’s direction. On the season Bolsinger is 5-3 with a 2.79 ERA, 2.79 FIP and 1.18 WHIP.

With Kershaw getting pushed back to the weekend, the Dodgers are on track to have both of their aces take the mound during the series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

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20 Comments

  1. It is being reported that he is involved in a three way trade – Kershaw winds up in Pittsburgh.

        1. I know for a fact its a done deal. Lots of paperwork to finish though. Pirates requested he not pitch again before the trade in finalized.

          1. In other news, Big Giant Head found without a brain. Everyone not surprised.

      1. No, he’s a good Christian. But he’ll be in Pirate black and gold by noon Friday. You heard it here first.

      1. They are getting Posey from the Giants. He is a franchise player. It’s a done deal.

  2. How much further will the Dodgers go with Puig before he is sent to the minors to work on his hitting.

    1. That is why Kershaw is being traded. Kershaw confronted Dodger management and said it’s either Puig or me. Dodgers chose the Puigster.

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