When Clayton Kershaw takes the mound Wednesday night in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, it will mark his 31st career postseason start (38th game overall) and 10th playoffs he’s been part of in a 15-year career.
However, the latest opportunity to play in October carries slight more significance for Kershaw this year due to not being able to participate last season because of a left elbow/forearm injury.
“I cherish winning, so I hope we win,” he said before Game 1. “More than anything, being with this organization is obviously special. To get to be in the postseason for a lot of years, one of the main reasons I wanted to come back was to get this opportunity. So it’s exciting.”
The Dodgers suggested there was a debate between Julio Urías and Kershaw for their Game 1 starter, but in actuality the decision was relayed to both pitchers last Friday — two days prior to manager Dave Roberts announcing it.
“I think he has dominated the league for the last two years,” Kershaw said of Urías, who pitched five innings and allowed three runs in the opener of the NLDS.
“I can’t say enough good things about Julio.”
Now Kershaw gets his opportunity to pitch the Dodgers to a win, which would put them up 2-0 as the NLDS shifts to Petco Park.
In addition to his return to postseason baseball, Kershaw is getting to share the experience with his children. They were present for Kershaw’s All-Star Game start at Dodger Stadium, and Charley in particular has spent plenty of time in the clubhouse and on the field this season.
“They were asking me what the playoff bracket was,” Kershaw said of his older children. “I was printing the playoff brackets out. They were filling them out, ‘Well, we want the Dodgers to play this team in the World Series.’
“I was like, ‘Guys, we have to win first. We have to win the games first.’ It’s a blast. I think they’re getting into it. Charley especially trying to figure out what baseball is and being a part of it. It is really cool.”
Turner: Kershaw among ‘the best’
Kershaw last started the first game of a playoff round in the 2020 World Series, but that’s not an indictment of his performance or confidence the team has in their longtime ace.
“There’s nothing better than having a healthy Clayton Kershaw taking the ball for you,” Justin Turner said. “He is one of the best I’ve ever seen and I’ve ever played with. I don’t like to talk about tomorrow because we’ve got stuff to worry about today, but when tomorrow comes, we’re going to be excited to have him taking the ball for us.”
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