Kershaw dominates Rockies, but early exit brings questions
This browser does not support the video element.
DENVER -- Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of all-time, but Coors Field has been his one kryptonite over the course of his illustrious career.
Kershaw came into Tuesday’s start with a 4.82 ERA at Coors Field, the highest mark in any ballpark in which he’s made more than two starts. But in the Dodgers’ 5-0 win over the Rockies, Kershaw “attacked Coors” allowing just one hit over six scoreless innings.
“It was a little bit more of a mental, like, ‘Hey, it’s the same.’” Kershaw said. “Just mentally keep going. Don’t think anything different. Just can’t be tentative. That’s the biggest thing.”
Kershaw certainly wasn’t tentative on Tuesday, retiring the first 12 batters he faced. His no-hit bid looked like it had serious legs until Brenton Doyle broke it up with a softly hit single past a diving Max Muncy at third.
The Dodgers’ left-hander went on to pick off Doyle to end the sixth inning. But as Kershaw walked off the mound in that last frame, he signaled to manager Dave Roberts that he was ready to come out of the game. Brusdar Graterol took over in the seventh inning.
This browser does not support the video element.
Kershaw was just at 79 pitches through six innings and certainly would have pitched a few more innings if fully healthy. But Kershaw wasn’t feeling 100 percent, though his ailment wasn’t specifically revealed after the game.
Roberts alluded to Kershaw feeling some fatigue, which wouldn’t be unusual while pitching in altitude at Coors Field. Kershaw said he “didn’t feel great overall” particularly in the sixth inning. But when asked what exactly he was dealing with, Kershaw wanted to wait to see how he feels on Wednesday before giving any sort of update.
Kershaw, of course, has missed significant time with back injuries in the past, including two separate stints on the injured list in 2022. When asked if it was a back injury, Kershaw again deflected it to Wednesday.
This browser does not support the video element.
“Let me get to [Wednesday] and figure everything out,” Kershaw said. “I’m not trying to be sneaky. I’m just trying to get through tomorrow and see where I’m at. Maybe there’s nothing to report. That’ll be good.”
Even with some uncertainty, Kershaw did say he’s optimistic that he’ll be able to make his next scheduled start against the Pirates next week. He also added that he would’ve stayed in the game had he still had his no-hit bid.
Kershaw has been the Dodgers’ best pitcher this season and in the National League. He picked up his 10th win of the season on Tuesday, which leads the NL and is only one behind Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan for the league lead.