October 11, 2008 Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw threw 1.2 innings of scoreless relief during Game 2, making it more likely that Derek Lowe will start Game 4 for the team, according to the L.A. Times.
Our View:It was thought that Kershaw might be saved for Game 4, but the Dodgers needed help out of the 'pen when Chad Billingsley imploded.
October 8, 2008 Earlier reports siad that Joe Torre would use Clayton Kershaw as a starter but ESPN's Baseball Tonight is reporting that he will be used out of the bullpen.
Our View:With prominent left-handed hitters in the Phillies lineup Kershaw could come in the game in some crucial situation.
October 7, 2008 The Philadelphia Phillies feature prominent left-handed hitters such as Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, so Dodgers manager Joe Torre may move lefty hurler Clayton Kershaw into the starting rotation for the NLCS, according to the L.A. Times.
Our View:Kershaw would only start Game 4 of the series if he is put in the rotation. As is often the case with young pitchers, he had an inconsistent year, but still finished with a 4.26 ERA and 100 Ks in 107.2 innings.
September 25, 2008 Clayton Kershaw (5-5) earned a victory on Wednesday, allowing six hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings, according to the AP. The 20-year-old left-hander walked two and struck out seven before being relieved by Chan Ho Park with two outs, a runner at second and the Dodgers leading 4-3 in the sixth. Park retired Nick Hundley on a fly to center to end the inning. "This is the best I've felt maybe all year," Kershaw said. "When I first got up here, I was rushing some things. I felt really comfortable on the mound tonight. It's an awesome feeling to be where I am right now."
Our View:Indeed, this is the best streak of pitching he has shown us yet. In his last six starts he has four victories and two no-decisions. In the two no-decisions he allowed just one earned run.
September 18, 2008 Clayton Kershaw only issued one earned run on two hits over five innings in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Pirates, with two walks and five strikeouts. The game took 12 innings to decide.
Our View:Kershaw pitched great but had to settle for a no decision rather than a win. He has avoided a loss in four straight outings, and has allowed one earned run in each of his last two. As said before, he has a very bright future with the Dodgers.
