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Dodgers Ace Defends Clayton Kershaw's Playoff Legacy
11 Oct
Summary
- Clayton Kershaw's regular-season ERA is 2.43, contrasted with 4.30 in the postseason.
- Many postseason appearances were on short rest or in relief roles.
- Teammates argue the postseason narrative unfairly overlooks Kershaw's efforts.
Clayton Kershaw, a legendary figure for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest pitchers. His 18-year career has been marked by exceptional regular-season success, with a career ERA of 2.43. However, his postseason record, including an ERA of 4.30, has often drawn criticism and fueled debate.
Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal recently spoke out in defense of Kershaw, challenging the negative narrative surrounding his playoff performance. Skubal suggested that judging Kershaw solely on postseason statistics is unfair, citing the immense pressure and workload the pitcher shouldered throughout his career. Kershaw made 41 postseason appearances, with some coming on short rest and many in relief, which can skew his overall numbers.
While Kershaw has had notable postseason meltdowns, he also has several stellar playoff outings to his name. Some argue that managerial decisions, such as leaving him in games too long, may have contributed to blow-up innings. Despite these complexities, Skubal and others contend that Kershaw deserves recognition for his dedication and resilience, rather than being unfairly labeled a "choker."
