As the regular season comes to a close, the Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the postseason. With a record of 92-50, they currently hold the best record in the National League and are on track to secure their eighth consecutive division title. However, there is one question looming over the team – will legendary pitcher Clayton Kershaw have a spot in October?
Kershaw has been a staple in the Dodgers’ rotation for over a decade. He has been a dominant force on the mound, earning three Cy Young Awards and leading the league in ERA five times. He is also a seven-time All-Star and has helped lead the Dodgers to multiple postseason appearances. However, this year has been a bit different for the 33-year-old left-hander.
Injuries have plagued Kershaw this season, causing him to miss significant time on the mound. He started the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation and then landed back on the IL in July with forearm tightness. These injuries have limited Kershaw to just 18 starts this season, and his performance has been up and down.
When healthy, Kershaw has shown flashes of his dominant self, but he has also had some rough outings. His ERA currently stands at 3.39, which is the highest it has been since his rookie year in 2008. This has raised concerns about his ability to perform at a high level in the postseason, where every pitch and every out is crucial.
Despite these concerns, Kershaw remains confident in his abilities and is determined to earn his spot in the postseason rotation. In a recent interview, he said, “I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel like I can help this team win in October.” This determination and positive mindset are what have made Kershaw a leader on this team for so many years.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also has faith in Kershaw and his ability to perform in the postseason. He stated, “I think Clayton is going to be just fine. He’s a guy that’s been there, done that, and he knows how to navigate through a postseason game.” Roberts has seen Kershaw’s resilience and determination firsthand and knows that he will do everything in his power to help the team succeed.
Kershaw’s teammates also have his back and believe in his ability to perform when it matters most. Fellow pitcher Walker Buehler said, “He’s one of the best pitchers in the game, and he’s going to be one of the best pitchers in the game for a long time.” Buehler, who has emerged as the ace of the Dodgers’ rotation, knows the importance of having a veteran like Kershaw on the team, especially in the postseason.
The Dodgers are fortunate to have a deep and talented pitching staff, which gives them the luxury of being able to rest Kershaw and manage his workload. This will be crucial in ensuring that he is healthy and at his best for the postseason. The team also has the option of using Kershaw out of the bullpen, where he has had success in the past.
As the postseason approaches, the Dodgers will have some tough decisions to make regarding their rotation. But one thing is for sure – Clayton Kershaw’s spot on the team is far from secured. He has proven time and time again that he is a big-game pitcher and has the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. And with his determination, resilience, and the support of his teammates, there is no doubt that Kershaw will play a crucial role in the Dodgers’ quest for a World Series title.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Dodgers are getting ready for the postseason, and while Clayton Kershaw’s spot in October may not be guaranteed, his impact on the team is undeniable. His experience, leadership, and determination make him a valuable asset to the team, and his teammates and coaches have full confidence in his abilities. As the Dodgers continue their quest for a championship, Kershaw will undoubtedly play a crucial role, and fans can’t wait to see him take the mound in October.
