Between starts and on the day he takes the mound, Clayton Kershaw sticks to a routine that functions like clockwork. On days he isn’t pitching, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace is often the first player on the field to run sprints.
His routine prior to starts includes wearing a Dodgers zip-up jacket — no matter the weather — while sitting in the dugout for a brief period. He’ll then head to the outfield to stretch and throw long toss before retreating to the bullpen.
Kershaw’s precision with timing and laser-like focus throughout his regimen isn’t one that allows for much, if any, talking and interaction with others beyond reviewing that game’s plan of attack.
Prior to his start on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, The Pirate Parrot pushed the envelope by driving a remote control car around Kershaw, which he didn’t appear to be particularly pleased with, via SportsCenter:
Kershaw uncharacteristically went on to allow four runs over six innings; with all of the Pirates’ damage coming in the fourth. It was just his second loss this season and only the Dodgers’ second loss in Kershaw’s 16 starts.
On Monday, it was reported the left-handed ace received treatment for back stiffness he’s been dealing with over recent weeks. Kershaw nonetheless is expected to make his next start on Friday night against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
After that, he’s scheduled to take the mound on July 6 against the Baltimore Orioles in what should be Kershaw’s final outing before the All-Star break.
