Clayton Kershaw was among the four Los Angeles Dodgers named to the National League roster for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, but another year figures to pass in which the three-time Cy Young Award winner does not start the exhibition game.
That would make seven career All-Star selections without a start for Kershaw, who’s widely viewed as the best pitcher of his generation. What’s more, this could be a second consecutive year where the left-hander doesn’t so much as appear in relief for the NL team.
Kershaw takes the mound Tuesday in the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and is scheduled to start Sunday in the Dodgers’ final game before the All-Star break.
“I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t,” Kershaw said of potentially starting Sunday.
That would leave him ineligible to pitch two days later in the Midsummer Classic.
In turn, it would create a spot on the NL roster that possibly could be filled by Alex Wood. He was one of the Dodgers’ two All-Star snubs. Turner is a Final Vote candidate and as of Tuesday morning was leading the group of five players.
Kershaw believes both of his teammates will wind up in Miami, even if Wood’s prospects are a little more unclear at present time.
“I think Woody is going to get on there, with all the different guys who will be ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game,” Kershaw said. “Woody will be on there somehow. I’m pretty sure he’ll get on there.”
Prior to Kershaw addressing his upcoming starts and All-Star rosters being announced, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club would remain flexible. “With Clayton, we’re going to support anything he wants,” Roberts said. “In talking to him, we’re just taking it start by start.”
“First is what is good for the club as far as having him strong for the rest of the season. I think for us, to take everything into consideration, the best thing for the club is where we’ve got it right now.”
Of course, even with Kershaw possibly removed from the equation, it does not guarantee Wood is named as a replacement to the NL roster. Washington Nationals southpaw Gio Gonzalez has put together a strong first half and has a leg up on Wood in terms of innings pitched.
