Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch and while the group wasn’t yet due for their first official workout, Clayton Kershaw nevertheless took the mound to throw a bullpen session to Russell Martin.
That Kershaw would be a day ahead schedule is hardly a surprise. And particularly so when taking into account the additional motivation he has coming off a season that was subpar by the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s standards.
Kershaw admitted as much when explaining his decision to sign a three-year contract extension with the Dodgers this winter rather than test free agency.
As for quickly getting mound work in, Kershaw explained his thinking which included finding a balance between stubbornness and open to change, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I did different stuff, trying to regain stuff I have lost is the best way to put it, to be vague,” said Kershaw. “You need to be stubborn in your routines to be consistent, but at the same time you have to be open-minded when things aren’t working and assess the situation. I’m doing both now, trying to be stubborn and open-minded at the same time.”
Kershaw’s detail-oriented approach and strict regimen contributed to the 30-year-old becoming the greatest pitcher of his generation. Though, Kershaw has already needed to relent on his some of his preferences in recent seasons because of persisting back trouble.
Last year, he was saddled by more back issues as well as biceps trouble. The two contributed to struggles and a dip in velocity. Kershaw spent the offseason evaluating various workout options and adjustments that would allow for him to return to an elite form in 2019.
