The Los Angeles Dodgers closed out of the first half of the 2017 season in torrid fashion, finishing with a 61-29 record and a half-game ahead of the Houston Astros for the best record in the Majors. With a six-game winning streak in tow, only the All-Star break could seemingly slow the Dodgers.
In most cases, a team that’s won 26 of their past 30 games is likely to prefer to continue playing instead of going through a four-day layoff. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts welcomed the All-Star break with open arms, however.
“It’s coming at a great time. We all look forward to the four days, except for the six guys, which is great for them,” Roberts said. “We’re not concerned about [time off]. It’s time we’ve been looking forward to, but once the second half starts we’ll be ready to go.”
Justin Turner echoed his manager’s comments. “I think it’s always nice to get a little break,” Turner said.
“It is a long season and I think a few guys have some bumps, some bruises and nicks that could use a couple days. Start over fresh in Miami.”
Kershaw wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic, but does see benefit in the time off. “Obviously, the way we’re playing, it would be good to keep going out there,” he said. “At the same time, breaks are always needed to rejuvenate. I don’t anticipate any rust on Friday.”
Kershaw sent the Dodgers into the All-Star break with his first complete game of the season and first such effort since May of last year. Kershaw put the 2017 team’s first-half accomplishments above others by teams he’s been with during his previous nine seasons.
“It’s the best half I’ve ever been a part of,” Kershaw said. “The first 90 games down, you can exhale for four days but come Friday we need to get back to what we’re doing. What we’ve done in the first half definitely makes the All-Star break a little more satisfying.”
For Cody Bellinger, Kenley Jansen, Kershaw, Corey Seager, Turner and Alex Wood, rest won’t come until Wednesday. The six All-Stars departed for Miami following the Dodgers’ first half finale last Sunday.
In Bellinger’s case, his whirlwind of a week included participating in the 2017 Home Run Derby, where he slugged 27 total home runs but was eliminated in the second round by eventual champion Aaron Judge. Bellinger called the experience one of the best of his life.
The Dodgers’ All-Stars do have the added benefit of already being in Miami, where they’ll be joined by the rest of their teammates to begin a five-game road trip on Friday. Roberts expects the second half to produce more of the same from his team.
“It’s a certain way we expect to play,” Roberts said. “I expect to play this way to finish out the first half, to start the second half, to finish out the season.”
