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LOS ANGELES – Clayton Kershaw says that he accepts the reasons why he did not start the first game in the National League division series.
That the winner of the NL Cy Young Award three times is in agreement with them may be quite different.
The Los Angeles Dodgers chose to accompany Hyun-Jin Ryu in their inaugural game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. Kershaw is ready to play the second game on Friday.
"I would not consider it a punch," Kershaw said in his first public comment on the subject.
The offensive explodes, the rotation is heard and L.A. finally looks like the power we've been waiting for since the start of the season – but that will not matter if the Dodgers do not get closer in October.
Scorers Braves Dansby Swanson and Ross Stripling, the coach of the Dodgers, were left out.
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Manager Dave Roberts said pitching coach Rick Honeycutt had announced the news by conference call to Kershaw, who had started eight of the last ten games in the Dodgers' first game.
If Kershaw is angry, he keeps him for himself. Roberts says that the atmosphere between them is "great". Kershaw can withdraw from the last two years of his contract after the World Series.
"Obviously, it's a huge sacrifice for him," Roberts said. "But do not let that influence his mind or his psyche, it does not surprise me."
Calling Kershaw "best pitcher of this generation," Roberts reiterated the decision to leave with Ryu, as it allows the two pitchers to rest for five days. If Kershaw had gone first, he would have four days off, while Ryu would have six days off for the second game.
"This year, I've earned a lot more than in previous years," said Kershaw. "I mean, not necessarily by choice, not that I want to do it.We have more days off during the season, so it worked out that way.But I think I would have probably been fine as well.
Kershaw said that he had asked Roberts why he was not leaving and had received an answer. However, he refused to share it.
"I guess it was not really something to agree or disagree," he said. "They had their reasons and I accepted them."
Ryu posted better ERA performance (2.81) in three playoff games than Kershaw (4.35) in 24 playoff games.
The South Korean was 7-3 with an average of 1.97 in the regular season. His left-handed compatriot Kershaw was 9-5 with an average of 2.73 and an average of 155 batting points.
Ryu had an advantage over the last month of the season, posting a 1.88 ERA after defeating a groin injury. Kershaw had an ERA of 3.89 in September.
"Hyun-Jin had a great season and he started very well for us," said Kershaw.
At age 30, Kershaw has not introduced the same zip with his fastball this season and he's on the disabled list for three consecutive seasons with back problems.
"I do not really need to prove myself to anyone," Kershaw said. "I want my teammates to want me, I think that's the most important thing."
If the series goes to a fifth decisive match, Roberts will have to choose between Ryu and the ace who has been the face of the franchise for years.
"It would be one or two of us," Kershaw said with a smile. "We will see."
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