Dodgers fans shocked as Dave Roberts announces Clayton Kershaw as the starter for Game 4 of NLDS after disastrous outing in Game 1
Fans were not at all happy with Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' decision to include Clayton Kershaw in the starting lineup for Game 4. The pitcher arguably had one of the worst starts of his MLB career as he exited Game 1 with the score at 6-0 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It was a familiar post-season problem for the hurler, as his stats show a significant dip in performance in the playoffs compared to the regular season. Kershaw has a significant 2.48 career ERA over the course of the regular season, but in the playoffs, his career ERA stands at 4.49. If today's stats were to be counted alone, he would have a 162 ERA in the 2023 postseason.
David Vassegh of MLB Network got people talking when he Tweeted the news:
"Dave Roberts said #Dodgers plan is for Clayton Kershaw to start Game 4 on four days rest. #NLDS"
Fans were quick to express their thoughts over the manager's decision:
"Was he not watching this game?"
"There won’t be a game 4, this was Kershaw’s last game as a Dodger."
Kershaw spoke to reporters after the game about his performance:
"Disappointing. Embarrasing. There's no excuses, I let everybody down."
The veteran, who has a World Series title to his name in 2020, will now look to turn around things in Game 4, if the tie lasts up to that point.
How will the Dodgers line up for Game 2 without Clayton Kershaw?
With Clayton Kershaw being held back, Bobby Miller will make his post-season debut in Game 2. Since his return from Triple-A Oklahoma City in late May, Miller has shown a fighting spirit with skills as he notched up 119 strikeouts with 3.76 EAR.
Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, spoke to reporters prior to Game 1 about the team's future:
“No matter how it shakes out, we’re going to have a really talented pitching staff. There’s going to be some tough decisions, and probably some really talented pitchers that won’t make this roster.”
The Dodgers already have some tough decisions to make and will be looking to change the narrative against the Diamondbacks in Game 2.