Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Confirmed to Start One of First Two NLDS Games

Dave Roberts confirmed Kershaw will start either Game 1 or Game 2 of the NLDS.

On Saturday, before the game, Dave Roberts confirmed Clayton Kershaw will start Game either 1 or 2 in the NLDS. The Dodgers probably won’t decide until they know which team they are facing in the series. Despite his balky shoulder and diminished velocity, Kershaw is still the best Dodger starter in the 2023 season.

Before his June 27th start at Coors Field when Kershaw injured his valuable left shoulder, he was competing for his fourth National League Cy Young Award. He was on pace to start his consecutive second All-Star Game, but he couldn’t participate in the game.

The injured shoulder has frustrated Kershaw. The shoulder wasn’t painful, but Dr. Neal ElAttrache wouldn’t let him pitch until late in July.

When Kershaw returned to the starting rotation, he was effective though his velocity was decreased. However, in his first two starts during September, he didn’t have his customary unbelievable command.

The Dodgers gave Kershaw a break to work with both pitching coach Mark Prior and training staff. Prior thought Kershaw had a mechanical problem in his delivery. The training staff worked with Kershaw on strengthening his body in hopes of improving his command.

In his start against the Seattle Mariners, after finding his rhythm, Kershaw had his customary command. And on Saturday night in his final regular season start of the year at Dodger Stadium, he dominated the Giants, striking out 5 over 5 scoreless innings.

Through his struggles, the future Hall of Famer has proved he knew how to win without having his ordinary dominant stuff. If he has the command and depth on his slider, he can be incredibly effective even without his velocity.