Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Gave No Thought To Potential Redemption Against Astros In World Series
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Gave No Thought To Potential Redemption Against Astros In World Series

Matthew Moreno
October 20, 2020
5 Min Read
Clayton Kershaw
Thomas B. Shea/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the World Series for a third time since 2017 and nearly faced the Houston Astros in a rematch of that year if not for the Tampa Bay Rays avoiding a historic collapse.

The Rays took a commanding 3-0 lead in the American League Championship Series, only to drop the next three games. They avoided being on the wrong end of MLB history by winning Game 7 at Petco Park over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers needed to fight their way back from a 3-1 deficit to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series. Their pitching plans were thrown awry when Clayton Kershaw was scratched from a start due to back spasms and the Dodgers played catch up the rest of the way.

Kershaw was in the bullpen for Games 6 and 7 but never appeared, and now gets to start in another World Series opener. “It was a special series,” he said of the Dodgers rattling off three consecutive wins in an elimination scenario.

“To be able to get to go on to the World Series, get to play a team like the Braves and take them to seven games after being down 3-1, just a testament to those guys in the clubhouse.”

Although the Dodgers have given Walker Buehler the Game 1 start in postseason series since 2019, Kershaw has now taken the ball in the first game of the their last three World Series trips. But the thought of potentially getting redemption against the Astros never crossed his mind.

“You can’t think like that,” Kershaw said. “The Rays are a very formidable opponent. Winning the World Series is going to be special, no matter who you play; 2017 is over. We can’t go back and worry about that.

“All to say, this World Series against the Rays is what we’re prepared for now.”

Kershaw was among the more vocal Dodgers to criticize the Astros after MLB found them to have conducted an elaborate sign-stealing system in 2017, but he also stressed there wasn’t any benefit to giving it any energy this year.

And although Kershaw has plenty of history making a Game 1 start in the World Series, there is only so much value to be taken from that. “I think every year is different,” he said.

“Obviously the postseason, you have that experience to draw on. Just trying to learn from that as best you can. But at the same time, every year is different, every team is different. The Rays are a different team from the Astros and Red Sox. I’m going to prepare like I always do and be as ready as I can be.”

Rays similar to Dodgers

The Rays’ depth and stellar pitching has drawn comparisons to the Dodgers, but Kershaw also noted Tampa Bay’s lineup that was effective during the regular season and gone quiet in October.

“They’ve got a great team. Their pitching staff is what gets talked about a lot but they’ve got a lot of guys on the offensive side that can make you pay if you make mistakes,” Kershaw said.

“(Randy) Arozarena, the way he’s going right now, swinging the bat really well, try to limit him as much as you can. They try to play the platoon advantage, so they’ve got a lot of guys moving in and out. They’ve got a great team.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2017 World Series2020 MLB postseason2020 World SeriesClayton KershawHouston AstrosLos Angeles Dodgers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Takashi Murakami, Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers News

Takashi Murakami Inspired By Shohei Ohtani & Reaction To Dodgers Collaboration

May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Chris Taylor: Dodgers’ Walk-Off Against Giants Arguably ‘Biggest Win Of The Year’

July 21, 2021
July 21, 2021
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Hyun-Jin Ryu Happy With Command Against Padres

April 17, 2018
April 17, 2018
Dodgers News: Jose De Leon Ranked Among Top-10 Right-handed Pitching Prospects
Dodgers Minor LeaguesDodgers News

Dodgers News: Jose De Leon Ranked Among Top-10 Right-Handed Pitching Prospects

January 20, 2016
March 3, 2016

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어