Clayton Kershaw was visibly upset with his performance after allowing five runs on eight hits — including two homers — in four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 16. When Kershaw’s next turn in the rotation came, the Dodgers moved him to a “B” game.
Manager Dave Roberts explained it was simply due to a goal of wanting to ensure the left-hander stretched out to five innings. Per multiple reports, Kershaw allowed two runs on four hits and had six strikeouts over 5.1 innings on a backfield at Camelback Ranch.
“He was good. I think Clayton is always going to strive for perfection, but we got him up and down, touched the sixth inning for a hitter,” Roberts said. I thought the fastball command and life was much better than it was his last turn.
“The slider was really good, and the curveball. So I thought positive overall.”
Part of Kershaw’s brief comments following his struggles last week included the mention of needing to, “Just keep trying to figure it out and plug away.”
“I just think with him it’s kind of delivery,” Roberts interpreted that. “He’s very in tune with his body and delivery, so if something is a little bit out of whack, he’s very cognizant of it. But again, I thought today he threw the ball well, especially his spin.
“The slider and curveball were really good, and I thought the fastball was good as well. I thought today was much improved from that last outing.”
Although Roberts had previously noted Kershaw has a lighter mood about him as a World Series champion, the same competitive spirit still burns inside the 33-year-old. “I don’t think any past result — even a World Series championship — will mellow him out,” Roberts said.
“That’s why, after it’s all said and done, he’s going to be on his way to Cooperstown. He just is a consummate professional and competitor. This doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Jansen joins Kershaw in “B” game
While Kershaw was the focal point of the Minor League game, which coincidentally was played against the Brewers, it also featured Kenley Jansen.
“Kenley was good. It was come in, take down two hitters, and he did his job. It was parts of a backend for three out of five, so it was a very good exercise for him,” Roberts said.
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