Thursday is exactly three weeks out from Opening Day for the Los Angeles Dodgers, when they will face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 1. At present time, their rotation is aligned in the order of Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Bauer and Walker Buehler.
Behind them thus far in spring have been a combination of several pitchers, including Julio Urias and Jimmy Nelson. Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are also being stretched out as starters, and there of course is David Price if he isn’t moved to the bullpen for the time being.
Kershaw starting on Opening Day is the most logical decision in some regard, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cautioned against reading into the current rotation order and assuming it would carry into the regular season.
“We have two off days coming, so we can do what we want. There’s still flexibility,” Roberts explained. “I just think this is the way Mark put it together right now.”
When directly asked if the Dodgers had decided on an Opening Day starter, Roberts answered, “We might. We don’t know yet. I don’t want to let it be known, but we’re talking about it.”
Roberts had previously stated the team had several quality candidates who were under consideration. His latest remarks indicated the field has been pared down.
“Obviously there’s three guys we’d probably consider, but we’re just not ready to name the guy yet. We’re still kind of talking through some things.”
Roberts added how pitchers fare with their respective buildups as Spring Training progresses would be factored in.
Should Buehler start the third game of the series against the Rockies, he would be available to take the mound for the opener at Dodger Stadium on an extra day of rest.
It would be unconventional and likely cause issues for others in the rotation, but the Dodgers theoretically could start Kershaw on Opening Day and then hold him back for their home opener on two extra days of rest.
Kershaw not worried about Opening Day scenarios
When recently asked if there perhaps would be more significance on starting the Dodgers’ first home game as opposed to Opening Day, Kershaw said he could see value in both scenarios and that he didn’t have a preference.
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