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: Clayton Kershaw ‘Ready’ For Opening Day Despite Spring Training Struggles
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw ‘Ready’ For Opening Day Despite Spring Training Struggles

Matthew Moreno
March 27, 2021
3 Min Read
Clayton Kershaw, 2021 Spring Training
Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

After last pitching in a “B” game at Camelback Ranch, Clayton Kershaw had an unceremonious return to Cactus League play against the Oakland Athletics as he fell well short of the goal to pitch five or six innings.

While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts openly stated before the game the focus was to continue Kershaw’s progression and build his pitch count, the results would not carry much significance. That effectively served as an omen, as Kershaw allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 3.1 innings.

He exited with the bases loaded and saw two more runs added to his line due to Victor Gonzalez issuing a pair of walks before getting through the fourth inning. The A’s made plenty of hard contact, amounting to three doubles and one triple as part of their nine hits off Kershaw.

“I actually felt there were some pitches that were better. It’s good to know it’s in there,” he said. “At times I felt like I knew what I was doing, so that’s good. Be ready to go. I think I’m just going to be thankful it’s Spring Training right now.

“Not get too concerned or worried about it and just go compete April 1.”

With the “B” game sandwiched between, Kershaw allowed 14 runs (13 earned) on 17 hits and three walks in 7.1 innings over his final two Spring Training starts. He was visibly frustrated after being knocked around by the Milwaukee Brewers and carried a similar disposition Friday.

Kershaw nevertheless is confident he will move past the shaky finish to exhibition play by the time Opening Day rolls around. “I don’t have a choice, so I’m going to be ready,” he said.

“I’m excited to get going. I really am. I’m excited to get there, have that adrenaline, those butterflies and get going again. I’m excited about it.”

If there was a silver lining for 33-year-old to take from Spring Training, health doesn’t appear to be a factor. “I feel great. No complaints there,” Kershaw said.

Kershaw didn’t have preference between Opening Day, home opener

The Dodgers are beginning a season on the road for the first time since 2016, and it coincides with the team coming off a World Series championship. That presented L.A. with a bit of a dilemma when deciding on a starter for Opening Day and the first game at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw was ultimately tabbed for a ninth career Opening Day start, and for his part didn’t have any preference between the two marquee possibilities.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2021 Opening Day2021 Spring TrainingClayton KershawLos Angeles Dodgers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive 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
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium, Opening Day
Video

Dodgers Video: Behind The Scenes With U.S. Air Force For Flyover At Dodger Stadium On Opening Day

April 7, 2018
April 7, 2018
Teoscar Hernández, 2024 NLDS
Rumors

Teoscar Hernández Rumors: Dodgers, Yankees & Red Sox Remain Interested

December 8, 2024
December 8, 2024
SportsNet LA set
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: SportsNet LA Sets Ratings Records During 2019 Season

October 18, 2019
October 17, 2019
Mookie Betts
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Expected To Avoid Injured List Despite Hip Irritation

July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021

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