Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke Praise Clayton Kershaw’s Focus And Preparation
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke Praise Clayton Kershaw’s Focus And Preparation

Daniel Starkand
June 26, 2016
3 Min Read
Clayton-kershaw-11
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Although it may not have seemed possible, Clayton Kershaw has reached new heights this season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers needing every bit of it. Their left-handed ace takes the mound Sunday night at PNC Park with the Dodgers mired in a two-game rut after reeling off six consecutive wins.

Kershaw’s dominant run dates back to 2011 when he won the first of three National League Cy Young Awards. In 2014, he also added the NL MVP Award, and could just as easily have a fourth Cy Young if not for R.A. Dickey putting together a comparable season in 2012.

For as great as he’s been for the Dodgers every fifth day, Kershaw’s work between starts is the stuff of legend. He’s notoriously regimented and is often the first player seen working out on the field of whatever stadium the Dodgers are in.

Then on days that he starts, it’s known Kershaw has a laser-like focus and isn’t one for much talk. His teammate and close friend Scott Van Slyke recently said Kershaw’s mindset is what puts him ahead of his contemporaries, per Doug Padilla of ESPN:

“Game day comes and he’s about as locked in as anybody could get, honestly, about anything,” teammate and close friend Scott Van Slyke said. “I can’t imagine anybody being as focused as he is on the day of his starts. I think that is honestly what separates him. I know every big league pitcher works hard … the good ones do. It’s a gift from God, honestly, his talent plus his makeup.”

Trayce Thompson, a newcomer to the Dodgers organization, marveled at Kershaw’s work ethic and preparation:

“I have never seen somebody similar to his routine and preparation and dedication to be great,” Los Angeles Dodgers newcomer Trayce Thompson said. “It’s inspiring and makes me want to work as hard as I can. I always thought I did, but there is another level just to have the focus. It’s not even about the time, it’s about the focus and the edge he puts into his preparation. He’s definitely a different breed.”

Kershaw will take the mound against the Pirates with an 11-1 record, 1.57 ERA, 1.59 FIP and 0.67 WHIP. He leads the Majors in several categories including, ERA, innings pitched (115), ERA+ (247) and strikeouts (141).

The Dodgers are 14-1 in games Kershaw has started this season, compared to 27-34 in all other games.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Clayton KershawLos Angeles DodgersScott Van SlykeTrayce Thompson
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Charlie Culberson Thanks Organization And Fans

December 17, 2017
December 17, 2017
Game Central

2017 World Series Game 3 Preview: Yu Darvish, Dodgers Face Lance McCullers Jr., Astros In Pivotal Swing Game

October 27, 2017
October 27, 2017
Walker Buehler, 2020 NLCS
FeaturedGame Central

Braves Vs. Dodgers Game 6 Preview: Rematch Between Max Fried, Walker Buehler

October 17, 2020
October 17, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez celebrate a home run
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Kiké Hernandez & Chris Taylor Expected To Return From 10-Day Injured List For Blue Jays Series

August 18, 2019
August 19, 2019

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어