As the Los Angeles Dodgers wrap up their Cactus League schedule in Arizona, they will soon head back to Southern California for the annual exhibition Freeway Series against the L.A. Angels.
After the three-game series concludes, the Dodgers will travel to Coors Field for their Opening Day matchup against the Colorado Rockies. Clayton Kershaw gets the nod for his franchise-record ninth start in a season opener and first since the 2018 season.
With the left-hander facing the Rockies on Opening Day, it all but rules out the possibility of him starting in the Dodgers’ home opener against the Washington Nationals on April 9.
Kershaw nonetheless is honored to take the mound on Opening Day and didn’t have a preference of which game to pitch in. “Opening Day is a special thing, obviously. Whoever gets to do that, it’s obviously an honor,” he recently said.
“I think the home opener in and of itself this year is very special. First time at Dodger Stadium with fans in one year, after winning the World Series after 32 years. Regardless if there’s 10 fans or 2,500, whatever it is, it’s going to be a special day for all of us.
“I don’t know how the rotation lines up or anything, but Opening Day, home opener, they’re both going to be pretty special this year.”
The Dodgers’ home opener will be memorable for numerous reasons, as the club is planning to celebrate their World Series championship with a ring ceremony prior to first pitch.
Not only that, but Dodger Stadium will be filled up at 20% capacity — the first time with any fans in the stands since Game 5 of the 2019 National League Division Series.
The Dodgers took into consideration allowing Kershaw to enjoy being part of the ring ceremony rather than having to prepare for a start against the Washington Nationals.
“I think we all talked and just feel good that (Opening Day) was the right thing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We talked about the home opener, but ultimately the decision was he was going to start Opening Day.”
Roberts not concerned about Kershaw’s velocity
In Kershaw’s most recent Spring Training outing — a “B” game against the Milwaukee Brewers on a backfield at Camelback Ranch — his fastball velocity only sat at 88-89 mph.
“It’s funny. I think we have this conversation every year with Clayton. I’m not concerned about,” Roberts said. “I think if you look at adrenaline relative to each pitcher, they’re all sort of in that same bucket.
“Whether it’s Gonsolin, May, Bauer. It’s the same. The velocity will tick up with the adrenaline and all that stuff. This is part of the process for these guys.”
Kershaw starts Friday against the Oakland Athletics in his final tuneup of the spring.
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