Clayton
Kershaw took the mound for the first time as a major leaguer yesterday.
While it’s been reported in various places that he will only be up for
three starts, it is hard to imagine him being sent down if he churns
out two more performances like yesterday’s. While he didn’t get the
decision, he put an impressive six inning debut on the table to show us
the type of pitcher he can be. He didn’t rack up a 47:15 K to walk
ratio in the minors by accident. Of the 102 pitches he threw, 69 of
them crossed the plate or were swung at. Kershaw fanned seven Cardinals
while walking only one, but did allow two earned runs on five hits. He
got the Cards to hit the ball on the ground seven times, with only 11
balls being hit into play in all.
So the question is whether or not to use that waiver spot on
Kershaw. It depends on your team needs, obviously, but the Dodgers need
good starting pitching, and I think if Kershaw repeats this performance
he’ll certainly be left in the rotation. Of course, the Red Sox sent
Buchholz down after his no-hitter last year, so anything is possible.
I’ll be taking the chance in my mixed league if he falls to me at two.