Clayton Kershaw Makes His Pick for Dodgers Opening Day Starter
The Los Angeles Dodgers are yet to announce their opening day starter, however, Clayton Kershaw has already shared who he hopes gets the nod.
Kershaw, who has started on opening day for the Dodgers nine times since 2011, is obviously in consideration for it again in 2023. However, he doesn't think it should be him. Instead, Kershaw thinks it should go to Dodgers ace Julio Urias.
"I think it should be whoever pitched the best the year before," Kershaw said to Jack Harris of the LA Times, "and he did that. So he deserves it."
It's hard to argue with that, as Urias was undoubtedly the Dodgers best pitcher last year, and has been for the last two seasons.
Since 2021, Urias is an incredible 37-10 with 2.57 ERA and 361 strikeouts in 63 starts. He's made over 30 starts in both of the last two seasons, and has continued to shine under the brightest lights.
Somehow, Urias is yet to make an All-Star team, but that should hopefully change this year. Urias has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last two seasons, and is deserving of the opening day nod.
If he gets the honor, this will be Urias' first ever opening day start in his career. In his last year under contract with the Dodgers, they should give him the opportunity — and I'd be shocked if they didn't.
Things are already lining up this spring for Urias to start on opening day and Kershaw to get game No. 2. The team isn't allowed to announce it until Friday, but expect that news to come fairly quickly when the time comes.
