Another season will pass without Clayton Kershaw starting in the All-Star Game. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace was named to his seventh career All-Star team this year, with the selections coming in succession.
A herniated disc prevented Kershaw from so much as appearing in the Midsummer Classic last season. This time around he’ll be ineligible due to starting in the Dodgers’ final game of the first half on Sunday, July 9.
“Obviously, it’s something he’s never done as far as start an All-Star Game, but the way the rotation is slotted, we don’t see him pitching in that game,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“We talked to Clayton, and he’s made it very clear that his priority is the Dodgers. “I didn’t get to experience anything like that, so I’m very sympathetic toward those experiences.
“I think we all try to think about creating opportunities of rest and managing things, but we don’t take for granted those rare opportunities for players.”
After facing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 29, Kershaw said he “planned” on making each of his two starts that lied ahead.
The Dodgers adjusted their rotation so that he could start in the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on regular rest. Kershaw flirted with a no-hitter, threw 117 pitches over seven shutout innings and finished with 11 strikeouts.
Kershaw’s pitch total was one shy of matching a season high. While the Dodgers have looked to provide their starters with extra rest when possible, Kershaw has remained on his normal turn with some frequency.
He may receive extra rest coming out of the All-Star break, as Roberts indicated the club had not yet decided when Kershaw will slot into the rotation. The Dodgers begin the unofficial second half in Miami on Friday, July 14.
