Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers held their first workout of Spring Training on Saturday, with Brett Anderson, Chris Hatcher, Clayton Kershaw and Zach Lee among those to throw a bullpen session.
Pitchers are currently on an every-other-day throwing schedule that’s commonly used in the early stages of Spring Training. Another commonality for some at this stage, is naming an Opening Day starter.
First-year San Diego Padres manager Andy Green did just that on Friday, announcing Tyson Ross will take the ball on April 4 against the Dodgers at Petco Park.
It will mark the first Opening Day start of Ross’ career. Despite it being one of the worst-kept secrets, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was not ready to follow suit on Saturday.
“That makes a lot of sense, but we’re going to wait to make it a little more formal. But it makes a lot of sense,” Roberts responded when asked if he wished to name Kershaw the Dodgers’ counter to Ross.
Kershaw has started the past five season openers and Los Angeles is 5-0 in those games. The only Dodgers pitcher with a longer streak of Opening Day starts is Don Sutton, who held the honor for seven straight seasons from 1972-78.
Kershaw’s string of five starts to begin a season is currently tied with Jon Lester for third among active starting pitchers. Seattle Mariners righty Felix Hernandez leads the Majors with seven consecutive Opening Day starts.
Clayton Kershaw Opening Day starts
| Season | Opponent | Result | Innings Pitched | Hits | Earned Runs | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | vs. Giants | Win | 7.0 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
| 2012 | @ Padres | No Decision | 3.0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 2013 | vs. Giants | Win | 9.0 | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| 2014 | vs. Diamondbacks (Australia) | Win | 6.2 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| 2015 | vs. Padres | No Decision | 6.0 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 2016 | @ Padres | Win | 7.0 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| 2017 | vs. Padres | Win | 7.0 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| 2018 | vs. Giants | Loss | 6.0 | 8 | 1 | 7 |
| 2021 | @ Rockies | Loss | 5.2 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
