Despite losing in a heartbreaking World Series last season, this spring was business as usual for the Los Angeles Dodgers and ace Clayton Kershaw. Despite it being a contract year, Kershaw has thus far looked unfazed by the situation.
He completed his final start of the spring on Friday, tossing 6.2 shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals, collecting four strikeouts and allowing just one hit. A second batter reached safely on an error.
Overall in six spring starts, Kershaw threw 21.1 scoreless innings, giving up 12 hits while striking out 23 and walking four. That is impressive work, even for a pitcher who has won three Cy Young awards and been named an All-Star each of the last seven seasons.
But Spring Training success doesn’t mean anything to perhaps the greatest pitcher of his generation, as after the start Kershaw discussed his excitement to get to Opening Day and the regular season, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“We’ve obviously pitched in the playoffs before,” Kershaw said. “But finishing on Nov. 1, you never know how those extra couple weeks will affect you. But I feel good, excited to get going, ready to feel a little more adrenaline.”
Kershaw will take the mound for his club record eighth straight start on Opening Day when the Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants on March 29. He was supposed to be opposed by Madison Bumgarner, but he fractured his left hand in his final tuneup, so it will most likely be Johnny Cueto taking the ball for the Giants.
Each of Kershaw’s last two regular seasons have been interrupted due to back injuries, which makes this year all the more intriguing for the 30-year-old. Should he remain healthy, opting out of his contract is a no-brainer. But another injury could make it somewhat of a discussion.
