Despite only being two days removed from throwing 94 pitches over 4.2 innings, Clayton Kershaw informed Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts he was available out of the bullpen for Game 6 of the World Series. Roberts preferred to hold his ace back for a winner-take-all Game 7.
Of course, Roberts acknowledged the Dodgers’ need to force the Astros to a winner-take-all scenario. Los Angeles didn’t figure to need Kershaw in Game 6. Their bullpen, which included Alex Wood, was in relatively good standing even if Kenley Jansen was limited to three outs.
Rich Hill went 4.2 innings, and was backed by Brandon Morrow, Tony Watson and Kenta Maeda. Jansen entered in the eighth and proceeded to convert a six-out save.
The Dodgers forced a Game 7 without needing to call on Kershaw or Wood, leaving both southpaws available for the deciding contest. Yu Darvish is making the start, with a chance to redeem himself for a poor showing in Game 3.
Following the Dodgers’ win Tuesday night, Kershaw predictably said he will do whatever is asked of him as the team looks to end their 29-year World Series drought, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“I can give 27 innings,” Kershaw said. “Whatever they need.”
While it figures to come to an end Wednesday night, this postseason marked the first since 2013 that the Dodgers had not called on their ace to pitch on short rest. Kershaw started Game 4 of the National League Division Series on short rest, then pitched in relief two days later to earn a save.
Had Jansen not gotten through the eighth inning in such an efficient manner, Roberts said Kershaw was likely to be deployed in the ninth. A potential opportunity to pitch out of the bullpen in Game 7 and contribute to the Dodgers winning a World Series would further separate Kershaw from whispers of being incapable to succeed in the playoffs.
He’d chipped away at the narrative but it resurfaced following a disappointing performance in Game 5. This October, Kershaw is 3-0 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts.
