Dodgers: Dave Roberts Hints That Clayton Kershaw Will Start Opening Day
I wrote the article last year on Valentine’s Day – when Clayton Kershaw was announced as the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter for the eighth straight year. Now, just a little more than a year out; it appears that history will repeat itself.
Some things in life are a fixture. Thus, Kershaw being on the bump during the first game when statistics count has become one of those things.
Ken Gurnick took to twitter to announce the news which has actually become so commonplace, it’s not going to be everywhere today.
Dave Roberts almost announced that Clayton Kershaw will make a ninth Opening Day start: “It’s not official, but I think we know.”
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 15, 2019
Last year’s start held milestone significance for Kershaw in Dodgers’ history. The 2018 start him ahead of Don Drysdale and Don Sutton for most Opening Day starts in Dodgers history. Of course, the Dodgers lost that game 1-0 to the Giants on a Joe Panik home run.
Should Kershaw make this start in late March, he will tie active players (Felix Hernandez) with nine consecutive Opening Day nods. The longest streak of all time belongs to Jack Morris, who started 14 straight for the Tigers (1980-90), Twins (1991) and Blue Jays (1992-93). In case you’re wondering, Robin Roberts has the longest streak of Opening Day starts with one team; making 12 in a row for the Phillies from 1950-61.
Most important, let’s hope that the Dodgers begin this season 1-0. The 2018 loss was Kershaw’s first in an opener, dropping his career mark to 5-1 on Opening Day.
Corey Seager is a full go at spring training
OH, the suspense.
Good one!
Biggest part of the news is he will tie King Felix for the active player record.
I just hope Kershaw remains relatively healthy for the 2019 season! Also a Dodgers victory on opening day would be nice!!
No doubt about that, Robin. How unsettling was it to see the first 2 Dodger games of 2018 ended up with 1 to 0 losses to the Giants , and on HR’s given up by CK on OD and Kenley in the 2nd game.
News?
Da derpa da derpa DERRRRRR DUH!
Memo to Roberts – don’t be coy or stupid regarding one of the best players at any position in Dodger history.