Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace pitcher, was removed from the National League Division Series (NLDS) game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after allowing four runs in the first inning. The Dodgers were trailing 4-0 when Kershaw was taken out of the game.
Kershaw had a rough start to the game, giving up a two-run home run to Paul Goldschmidt in the first inning. He then allowed a single to Chris Owings and a double to Jake Lamb before being pulled from the game. The Dodgers replaced him with reliever Tony Cingrani, who got out of the inning without any further damage.
Kershaw had been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball this season, posting an 18-4 record with a 2.31 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 175 innings. He was expected to be a major factor in the Dodgers’ success in the postseason, but his early exit from the NLDS game was a major blow to their chances.
The Dodgers have not yet announced who will take Kershaw’s place in the rotation for Game 4 of the NLDS, but it is likely to be either Rich Hill or Alex Wood. Both pitchers have been solid for the Dodgers this season, but neither has the same level of experience or success as Kershaw.
It remains to be seen how Kershaw’s early exit will affect the Dodgers’ chances of advancing in the postseason. However, it is clear that his absence will leave a big hole in their pitching staff. The Dodgers will need to find a way to make up for his absence if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs.
