Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Kershaw Shakes Off Early Struggles with Solid Guardians Start

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is monitoring Kershaw's workload in response to a rotation depleted by injuries

Image
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) on the mound before throwing a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on June 3, 2025.

Overview

  • Kershaw has posted a 5.17 ERA over his first four starts, struggling to complete beyond five innings and grappling with mechanical inconsistencies since returning from knee and toe surgeries in May.
  • His fastball velocity has dropped into the upper 80s to low 90s, and his slider’s bite has diminished, leading to a .304 batting average against the pitch despite a 25.9% whiff rate.
  • Kershaw’s curveball has been erratic, costing him strikeout opportunities even as he remains confident that he can improve over an entire outing.
  • In his latest start against the Guardians, he allowed just one run over five innings, offering a glimpse of his vintage form.
  • With aces Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki sidelined, manager Dave Roberts is closely managing Kershaw’s innings to stabilize a rotation that ranks 22nd in MLB with a 4.16 ERA.