Editorials

Dodgers Dilemma: Debunking The Clayton Kershaw Panic Of 2015

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

PAGES: 1 | 2

Everyone take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.



Still worrying about Clayton Kershaw? Well, it’s time to relax.

Yes, Clayton Kershaw is 1-2.
Yes, Clayton Kershaw has a 3.73 ERA.
Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers are 2-4 in games started by their ace.

So, why should you not be worried?

Because Clayton Kershaw is still doing things that nobody in the league can do.

First, let’s take a look at Kershaw’s six starts thus far.

He’s gone at least six innings in every start and has thrown the same amount of innings as San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.

He’s only allowed more than three runs in a start once this season.

Since his second start of the season, where he allowed six runs (five earned) and 10 hits against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the left-hander has lowered his ERA in each of his starts.

Clayton Kershaw leads the league in strikeouts and is second in strikeouts per nine innings. He’s sixth in the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The Dodger offense has scored just 19 runs in Kershaw’s six starts, an average of 3.1 runs per start and below the Dodgers average of 4.72 runs per game.

The reigning Cy Young and MVP is doing all of this without a start that many would call a vintage Clayton Kershaw start. He reached the eighth inning for the first time on Monday night in Milwaukee, but failed to get out of it and saw his 3-1 lead turn into a 4-3 deficit.

Cause for concern? Maybe a bit. Cause for panic? Not even close.

Still worried?

Let’s take a look at Clayton Kershaw through six starts in 2014 and this year:

2014: 3-2, 3.57 ERA, 46 K, 7 BB, 14 ER, 36 H, 35.1 IP

2015: 1-2, 3.73 ERA, 51 K, 7 BB, 16 ER, 37 H, 38.2 IP

In 3.1 more innings than 2014, Kershaw has five more strikeouts and has allowed two more runs and one more hit.

In case you forgot, Kershaw went on to win the Cy Young and MVP last season.

CONTINUE READING: What Do The Advanced Stats Say?

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

2 Comments

  1. I haven’t been worried about Clayton’s performance. What I have been so frustrated with is the team Mattingly puts on the field behind him every game except the last one. I don’t care what his reason (matchup with pitchers, etc.) you can’t expect Kershaw to work miracles when he doesn’t have the experienced players to make the putouts and put some runs on the board.

  2. Wow. Didn’t realize how similar his numbers were at the beginning of last season.

    I think he’s spoiled us!

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