Clayton Kershaw will be a season opener for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the ninth time, a franchise record.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed his choice Tuesday in a video conference. The Dodgers begin the 60-game season July 23 at home to the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw was scheduled to open Opening Day against the Giants on March 26 before the season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 32-year-old left-hander pitched four innings in the Dodgers’ second intersquare game on Monday night. He struck out new teammate Mookie Betts on a third strike that was scored by bench coach Bob Geren, who served as umpire. Kershaw pitched another inning into the bullpen.
Kershaw’s streak of starts in opening games ended last season, as he started the season on the disabled list with a left shoulder inflammation. He was replaced by Hyun Jin Ryu, who signed with Toronto in December. Kershaw is 5-1 with a 1.05 ERA on opening day. The team’s rotation was disrupted when newcomer David Price said he would not play the season. They expected him to be the third starter behind Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Mexican Julio Urías and Alex Wood were expected to be behind. Ross Stripling, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are among the contenders to fill Price’s spot. (GG) (TAKEN MLB.COM)