Clayton Kershaw Will Be The 2019 Dodgers Opening Day Starter
The Dodgers announced today that Clayton Kershaw will be their opening day starter for a record 9th straight time.
Dave Roberts named Clayton Kershaw the Opening Day starter — a club record 9th straight time.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 19, 2019
In baseball history, only two people stand of front of him with more consecutive opening day starts. Jack Morris started opening day for 14 straight seasons from 1980-1993, but between Detroit, Minnesota, Toronto. Robin Roberts made 12 straight opening day starts all for the Phillies between 1950-1961.
Dodger fans may have been wondering if Kershaw’s reign as opening day starter would be unseated this year by young phenom Walker Buehler. While Buehler would be an absolutely fantastic opening day starter, Clayton Kershaw has been opening day King since 2011. The numbers support the crown.
Opening Day King Kershaw
2011-2018:
- 7 IP, 4H, 0ER, 9K
- 3 IP, 2H, 0ER, 3K
- 9 IP, 4H, 0ER, 7K
- 6.2 IP, 5H, 0ER, 7K
- 6 IP, 6H, 3ER, 9K
- 7 IP, 1H, 0ER, 9K
- 7 IP, 2H, 1ER, 8K
- 6 IP, 8H, 1ER, 7K
That’s a total of 59 strikeouts, 5 earned runs, and a 5-1 record. It’s worth noting that the one loss Kershaw has in those games was last year, when the Dodgers lost 1-0.
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Clayton spoke with reporters on getting the record setting nod.
To get to do that with the Dodgers, a team with such a long list of great starting pitchers — to kind of be associated with them is pretty special.
.@ClaytonKersh22 talks about getting the Opening Day start for the 9th consecutive year. pic.twitter.com/f6YhqO4S79
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 20, 2019
Clayton Kershaw will look to continue his opening day dominance against the new-look (without Goldschmidt) Arizona Diamondbacks on March 28, 1:10PM PST.
Kershaw is nothing more than Tony Romo of baseball and it’s too good that they’re friends and kind of look alike. Are sports scripted or what?
I resent the above comment and the comparison to Romo is invalid. Romo never got close to the championship game and Kershaw has been in the WS twice. At his peak – the Cy Young years – he could have gotten to the WS also if the other starters (except Greinke) and the sucking bullpen could get a key out when needed.
You’re full of excuses for Clayton Romo. Did you forget his meltdowns in his peak? It wasn’t just the bad bullpen in 2013-2014 although they share some blame. Also Kershaw has made it to 2 World Series but has played a big part in losing 3 games in those series. Don’t dismiss the fact that these guys are buddies, look similar, one constantly choked for Dallas where Kershaw is from. It’s all a little strange and too coincidental it’s hiarious how often these leagues throw it in your face yet no one ever notices
This argument is so flaccid, it literally could replace the platitude “comparing apples and oranges.” Comparing Romo and Kershaw is an exercise in absurdity, and it’s completely fallible.
The only thing that’s flaccid is your wiener. When it’s all said and done both are tankers in the big games. Doesn’t matter if one of them happens to be a future hall of famer in the end no championships will be won between the two of them and they both played their part in that shortcoming
This article is about opening day, sir. Did you read it?
I don’t read the articles I just come for the comments
I will only say that a real great chance will be that Robby Ray is the opening day starter for the Dbacks and it should be obvious to all why….he’s a LHP and we will soon find out if Roberts and Co. begin the year with a ‘platoon’ lineup, wss.
Start a LHP against Kershaw and you have an edge via the weaker lineup for the Dodgers.