Trending Up, Trending Down: Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw Continue Rising
Trending Up:
Clayton Kershaw: In his lone start of the week against the Angels, Kershaw began the month of August on a high note.
In eight innings pitched, he allowed just three baserunners (two hits, one walk) and zero earned runs while striking out seven batters. Additionally, he hasn’t allowed a run in 37 consecutive innings, dating back to July 3 against the New York Mets.
With another incredible outing, Kershaw lowered his ERA to 2.37 and WHIP to 0.91 on the season.
Zack Greinke: Starting against the Angels on the final day of July, Greinke cashed in his 10th straight quality start, a streak that dates back to June 7.
In eight innings pitched against his former team, he allowed five hits and two earned runs while striking out eight. He allowed just four runs combined throughout the entire month over 38 innings (0.95 ERA). For the year, his ERA and WHIP sit at 1.41 and 0.83, respectively.
Howie Kendrick: Appearing in all five games this week, Kendrick recorded at least one hit in all of them. In 22 total plate appearances, he notched eight hits (including two home runs against the Angels) and drew a walk — good for a .409 on-base percentage. Not surprisingly, his batting line for the season improved to .288/.335/.413.
Honorable Mentions:
Andre Ethier: Picking up two starts this week (three games), Ethier reached base five times in 11 plate appearances and homered twice (including a walk-off home) in the series finale against the Angels on Sunday.
Enrique Hernandez: Receiving two starts this week (three games), Hernandez picked up three hits in six at-bats, including a go-ahead double on Wednesday against the Athletics that proved to be the difference in the game.
Brett Anderson: In one start against his former team, the Athletics, Anderson went seven strong innings while allowing just two earned runs and five hits.
Mat Latos: Making his Dodgers debut on Sunday against the Angels, Latos went six strong innings allowing just four hits and one earned run.
Yasiel Puig: Starting in four of the five games this week, Puig reached base four times in 15 plate appearances, hitting a home run and driving in three runs on Wednesday (his bobblehead night).
[divide]Clayton Kershaw On Return To Mound, Facing Mike Trout
