Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Unhappy With Performance vs Arizona

Clayton Kershaw made his second start of the season on Friday night in Arizona and things didn't quite go his way.

Staked to an early 1-0 lead, the Diamondbacks immediately tied things up in the bottom of the first inning. The Dodgers retook the lead with a James Outman home run in the second before AZ tied things up again in the bottom of the third. The Dodgers took the lead one more time in the fourth on a Chris Taylor homer before Kershaw served up back to back bombs in the sixth and the Dbacks took the 4-3 lead.

“I did a lot of things I shouldn’t, especially when your team grinds and gives you the lead like that,” Kershaw said after the game. “The first couple innings, they got some runs, some ground-ball hits, some things you really can’t do a whole lot about. But those homers there to give up the lead, you’ve got to do better than that.”

"Right now it doesn't mean a whole lot because it's a loss. I think being here for as long as I have is a special thing & I don't take that for granted." @ClaytonKersh22 on having 400 career starts. pic.twitter.com/f5SMIMa9wt
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 8, 2023

It was supposed to be a bit more of a special day for Clayton. He made his 400th career start as a Dodger and was aiming for career win number 199. Instead, it was frustration and something to improve upon for the left-hander.

“Tonight, it just didn’t seem like he felt comfortable tonight, all night,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I think there were pieces of the night where there were some good throws in there, but I think overall, I don’t think he got into a rhythm. And even in that sixth inning, if he doesn’t give up the two solo homers, it’s still a quality outing.”

Dave Roberts spoke post-game with @kirsten_watson about Clayton Kershaw's outing and his offensive takeaways. pic.twitter.com/bmlSlk56Ku
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 8, 2023

One Interesting Note

Of the parks where Clayton Kershaw has made 20 or more starts in his career, he owns the second-worst ERA at Chase Field in Arizona (3.91 ERA, 131.1 IP). When asked if he thought there was something about his less-than-dominant pitching there, he wasn't interested in exploring it.

Baseball people will tell you the ball doesn't break quite the same in Arizona as it does at sea level.

Kershaw's next start should be in San Francisco against the Giants. Notably, his 1.60 ERA over 186 IP at AT&T/Oracle Park is the best amongst ballparks where he's made 20 or more starts.