Clayton Kershaw was sidelined by back trouble for a second time in as many seasons, but this year’s stint on the disabled list was due to a much more mild injury in a lower back strain. In 2016, Kershaw missed 10 weeks while recovering from a herniated disc in his back.
He cut the time in half and upon returning in September hoped to make a handful of starts in preparation for the playoffs. Even with the Dodgers building in an additional day of rest between some of his outings, Kershaw took the mound six times over the final month of the regular season.
His final tuneup was only four innings against the Colorado Rockies, who scored three runs on seven hits (one home run) off the Dodgers ace. Next for Kershaw is taking the mound in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Friday.
It’s a start he feels prepared for, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I’m as ready as I can be,” Kershaw said. “I feel 100 percent. I feel ready to go. Just trying to get ready for Friday.”
The shaky outing at Coors Field is hardly cause for concern. Kershaw was knocked around some by the San Francisco Giants in his final start of the 2016 regular season. In seven innings pitched at AT&T Park, he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits (one home run), walked one and struck out four.
As for finding the rhythm he held before the stint on the disabled list, statistics suggest there’s room for improvement. Prior to being placed on the DL, Kershaw went 15-2 with a 2.04 ERA and held opponents to a .197/.232/.339 batting line.
Over his six September starts, Kershaw was 3-2 with a 3.48 ERA and batters hit .273/.301/.430. The inflated ERA is a byproduct of allowing four earned runs in two outings. Kershaw did allow one run or fewer in three of his starts.
