The Los Angeles Dodgers know they have one of the most dominant starting pitchers in baseball in Clayton Kershaw, but they feel their rotation is deep enough to win a championship without the left-hander pitching on short rest.
At least for now.
On the eve of his team beginning its latest World Series run, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Kershaw is not going to pitch on short rest in the postseason this year. Of course, this is not the first time we have heard that.
Last year, Kershaw started Game 1 and Game 4 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals. He then made an appearance out of the bullpen in Game 5 to record the final two outs and seal the series for Los Angeles. Before the relief appearance, Roberts insisted Kershaw would not pitch in Game 5. However, the ace insisted and got his wish.
Would the Dodgers take a hard stance this time around? Kershaw is just 4-7 with a 4.55 ERA in the playoffs, though he has pitched quite well on short rest in the past. It’s easy for Roberts to say before the NLDS that Kershaw won’t pitch on short rest, but it would not be a surprise if he changed his mind if the Dodgers found themselves on the brink of elimination heading into Game 4.
Kershawn will start on Friday night when L.A. hosts the Arizona Diamondbacks.
