Editorials

History Has Shown Clayton Kershaw Tends to Excel on Short Rest

There is one question that all Los Angeles Dodgers fan are asking themselves…How will Clayton Kershaw perform on three days of rest? After a loss to the Washington Nationals in game three on Monday, Oct. 10, the Dodgers organization had to make a quick decision on the starter for game four.

Quick Fact:

  • 77 percent of teams who win game three wins the series

Kershaw’s performance in game four is pivotal since this is an elimination game for the Dodgers. If anyone feels anxious about their decision it is going to be Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts.



Let’s take a look back to the 2015 National League Division Series against the New York Mets. It is the same situation that Kershaw is in as of Tuesday, Oct. 11. We can’t forget the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals where Kershaw lost both of his starts and that began his below-average performance in the postseason.

In game one of the series, Kershaw got the loss allowing three runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched.

On three-days rest, Clayton Kershaw holds the Mets to one run and lowered his ERA to 2.62. In both games, he struck out 19 batters and walked five.

Clayton Kershaw’s Career Stats on three-day rest: 

Starts: 6 

W-L: 4-1 

ERA: 1.13 

K-BB: 51-9

Opp Avg: 1.67

Down 2-1 To Washington, LA Turns To Clayton Kershaw For Game 4

With Kershaw starting on the mound, Julio Urias will be an option to relief Rich Hill of his duties for game five, if necessary.

Kershaw, the spotlight is on you and you do not want the pavilions to act differently towards you.

Here’s another look how Kershaw’s performs on three days of rest in the postseason in 2015 and 2016: 

IP H R ER BB SO ERA
NLDS Game 1 (2014)-

vs. St. Louis L 10-9

6.2 8 8 8 0 10 10.8
NLDS Game 4 (2014)-

at St. Louis L 3-2

6 4 3 3 2 9 7.82
NLDS Game 1 (2015)- L

vs. NY Mets L 3-1

6.2 4 3 3 4 11 4.05
NLDS Game 4 (2015)-

at NY Mets W 3-1

7 3 1 1 1 8 2.63
NLDS Game 1 (2016)-

at Washington W 4-3

5 8 3 3 1 7 5.4
NLDS Game 4 (2016)- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

How do you think Clayton Kershaw will perform in Game 4 against the Nationals? Comment below.

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