Clayton Kershaw failed to repeat last week’s performance of providing the Los Angeles Dodgers with needed length to take a burden off their bullpen, and it resulted in suffering his first loss at Dodger Stadium since June 16, 2021 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kershaw held the Minnesota Twins to just two runs and collected seven strikeouts, but he only completed four innings. His night included a pitch timer violation and allowing Michael A. Taylor to take second base after a leadoff walk because of a failed third disengagement from the rubber.
One miscue was a calculated risk by Kershaw, while the other merely an oversight.
“I just took a gamble. I knew Taylor was going to go, so I figured after I picked over twice, there was no way he expected me to do it a third time,” Kershaw explained after the Dodgers’ 5-1 loss.
“It was pretty risky, probably not the right thing to do. I thought maybe I could get an easy out that way.
“Then the pitch violation, I just wasn’t paying attention for that one. I think I covered first, so I thought they’d give me a little extra time, but guess not.”
Taylor’s leadoff walk in the fourth inning was the only free pass Kershaw doled out, though he pitched through traffic for most of his outing as the Twins collected seven hits.
“Overall rhythm, I felt OK,” Kershaw said. “Overall, the stuff just wasn’t as good as the other in Milwaukee. It wasn’t coming out like it was the last start. That happens sometimes. Just get ready to go for the next one.”
The Dodgers’ six-game winning streak came to an end and so too did a stretch of winning 10 in a row at Dodger Stadium. They nevertheless still hold the best record in the National League at 27-16.
Will Clayton Kershaw make next start?
Kershaw pitched Tuesday night despite being three days removed from his mother passing away. His next scheduled start is Sunday, in a road matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kershaw said he already had discussed matters with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and planned to make that start at Busch Stadium.
It still is plausible — if not likely — Kershaw goes on the bereavement list prior to that point. Per MLB roster rules, a player on bereavement must miss a minimum of three days but no more than seven.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
