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Dodgers Spring Training: Clayton Kershaw Starting Against Padres In Favor Of Minor League Game

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the expected decision of Clayton Kershaw starting Sunday against the San Diego Padres. The alternative was having the three-time Cy Young Award winner pitch in a Minor League game.

“We talked about it, and he would just rather pitch in an ‘A’ game,” Roberts said. Kershaw is expected to go five innings, which would be his longest Cactus League outing of the year. It will be his first time facing the Padres, which weighed in to the thought process.

“We talked about that, and for Clayton to pitch against a divisional opponent, when he would potentially see the Padres played into it,” Roberts said, adding Kershaw’s preference for a Major League also carried weight.

The Dodgers see the Padres on April 16 for the start of a three-game series at Petco Park. But should Kershaw remain on his usual turn in the rotation, he would not take the mound in San Diego.

After that, the teams next meet May 4, again at Petco Park for a three-game set.

In four Cactus League starts, Kershaw has allowed just six hits, recorded 11 strikeouts and walked four over 9.2 scoreless innings. His final tuneup of the spring is likely to come during the exhibition Freeway Series.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com