The Dodgers Are Pushing Clayton Kershaw’s Next Start Back, Fueling Speculation on Health
Clayton Kershaw was slated to start the opener in a three game series with the Padres which begins on Monday. Now, that plan has changed.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters including Jack Harris of the LA Times that the ace left-hander will now start on Friday in Seattle.
Roberts admitted the extra time off wouldn’t be bad for Kershaw, who is coming off an outing that saw his fastball velocity sit well below 90mph, but that’s not the reason the Dodgers are opting to push him back. At least in their words.
“I don’t think [more time] could hurt,” Roberts said. “It’s like if we’re weighing everything in, it just made the most sense. There’s no downside to what we’re doing. That’s kind of the thought.”
If we’re following the schedule, as Roberts suggests, then Kershaw should be able to get three or four more starts in this season and could line up to start the regular season finale in San Francisco on October 1st. He would also pitch at Dodger Stadium on September 20th against the Tigers or the 21st against the Giants in what could be his final regular season start in LA in Dodger blue.
The 35-year-old is 12-4 this season with a 2.61 ERA in 21 starts. He’s tied with Hall of Famer Don Drysdale on the all time franchise leaderboard with 209 career wins.
Rookie Gavin Stone will be recalled and start for the Dodgers on Monday. Ryan Yarbrough was placed on paternity leave.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
We’re giving away an authentic Mookie Betts jersey. All you have to do is subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
