After last pitching in a “B” game at Camelback Ranch, Clayton Kershaw had an unceremonious return to Cactus League play against the Oakland Athletics as he fell well short of the goal to pitch five or six innings.
While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts openly stated before the game the focus was to continue Kershaw’s progression and build his pitch count, the results would not carry much significance. That effectively served as an omen, as Kershaw allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 3.1 innings.
He exited with the bases loaded and saw two more runs added to his line due to Victor Gonzalez issuing a pair of walks before getting through the fourth inning. The A’s made plenty of hard contact, amounting to three doubles and one triple as part of their nine hits off Kershaw.
“I actually felt there were some pitches that were better. It’s good to know it’s in there,” he said. “At times I felt like I knew what I was doing, so that’s good. Be ready to go. I think I’m just going to be thankful it’s Spring Training right now.
“Not get too concerned or worried about it and just go compete April 1.”
With the “B” game sandwiched between, Kershaw allowed 14 runs (13 earned) on 17 hits and three walks in 7.1 innings over his final two Spring Training starts. He was visibly frustrated after being knocked around by the Milwaukee Brewers and carried a similar disposition Friday.
Kershaw nevertheless is confident he will move past the shaky finish to exhibition play by the time Opening Day rolls around. “I don’t have a choice, so I’m going to be ready,” he said.
“I’m excited to get going. I really am. I’m excited to get there, have that adrenaline, those butterflies and get going again. I’m excited about it.”
If there was a silver lining for 33-year-old to take from Spring Training, health doesn’t appear to be a factor. “I feel great. No complaints there,” Kershaw said.
Kershaw didn’t have preference between Opening Day, home opener
The Dodgers are beginning a season on the road for the first time since 2016, and it coincides with the team coming off a World Series championship. That presented L.A. with a bit of a dilemma when deciding on a starter for Opening Day and the first game at Dodger Stadium.
Kershaw was ultimately tabbed for a ninth career Opening Day start, and for his part didn’t have any preference between the two marquee possibilities.
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