Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Trying to Pitch Through His New Normal
Admitting he's far from his best self to close this year, Clayton Kershaw continues to pitch at a high level despite a shoulder injury holding him back since June.
Tossing five scoreless in another gem against division rival San Francisco, Kershaw's final home start for 2023 came as an encouraging sign for the playoffs in just a few weeks time.
Doing all he can to get ready for another postseason run at Chavez Ravine, the future Hall of Famer mentioned some of the steps he's taking to get right for October.
“I’d much rather just be good and be able to pitch the way I used to,” he said. “But I don’t really think of it like that too much. I feel like there's some positives each start that I feel like I'm getting better from that Miami start. Not where I want it to be yet, but it's definitely some steps in the right direction for sure. We’re doing everything for a reason around here. So take the extra rest when you can get it, try to get right for the playoffs and all that stuff. It’s a different routine, obviously, there’s some extra days in there. But where I’m at right now, it makes sense. I’m taking advantage of it."
Mentioning a lackluster performance on the road in Miami earlier this month, the lefty's past few outings have been gutty performances less reliant on velocity and command.
Instead, the crafty stalwart of the Dodgers' staff has navigated through such conditions to induce some groundball outs and weak contact.
Such a formula will be key for the for LA's pitching staff, knowing they'll need quick outs to preserve as much bullpen energy as possible to win some series.
Though he's far removed from the 7 inning, 100 pitch workhorse he used to be, an older and wiser Kershaw is still proving he can get the job done.
