The Los Angeles Dodgers are all but a lock to win the NL West for the 10th time in 11 seasons.
This is a franchise that never rebuilds, only reloads.
Even when they suffer injuries or lose players to free agency, they are consistently one of the best teams in baseball.
With only three weeks to go in the regular season, the Dodgers are hoping to be as healthy as possible come playoff time.
That is why they are willing to give Clayton Kershaw some extra time off between starts.
According to Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers are pushing Kershaw’s start back to Friday.
But, it is not due to injury, just a matter of lining up future starts.
Clayton Kershaw’s start is being pushed to Friday. Gavin Stone will come up and start tomorrow, with Ryan Yarbrough going on paternity.
Dave Roberts said it’s not because of any setback with Kershaw’s shoulder. Just a matter of lining up future starts.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 10, 2023
It is never a bad thing to give a 35-year-old pitcher some extra rest.
Kershaw has battled numerous injuries over the years and the Dodgers will need him in the playoffs.
The Dodgers are six games behind the Atlanta Braves for the top record in the NL.
While that is something the Dodgers should be playing for it does not seem likely they will catch Atlanta.
LA has been one of the best regular-season teams in baseball over the past decade.
But, they only have one championship to show for it.
That World Series title came in the COVID-shortened season as well.
At some point, the Dodgers need to have substantial success in the postseason.
If they cannot do it this year, it may never happen for the core players in LA.
NEXT: Dodgers Insider Shares The Latest On Mookie Betts' Injury Scare
