Introducing the series between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, I talked about how I wasn’t sure I trusted Clayton Kershaw as the #1 pitcher. His velocity and control are down.
Unfortunately, I was actually right.
From the start of the match, Kershaw was hit heavily. He was unable to record a single out against the DBacks’ first five batters.
And as Gabriel Moreno hit a home run as the fifth batter, you’ll understand that the former Blue Jays made it 5-0.
He finally removed a DBacks player before giving up another point. He ended up leaving the match, visibly destroyed by what had just happened.
What doesn’t lie is the fact that the balls were hit with authority. Clearly he didn’t have the right stuff This evening. His average of 162 in the 2023 playoffs is not a pretty sight for a legend.
Theoretically, Clayton Kershaw could start Game 4 of the series in Arizona – if it gets that far, of course.
The pitcher could therefore no longer pitch at Dodger Stadium this season if Arizona manages to take the Dodgers out of the series.
There is therefore a world where Kershaw pitched his last game at Dodger Stadium since more than ever, we doubt what happens next in his case. He’s not as fit as he used to be.
And that’s really sad.
