SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) - Clayton Kershaw finished spring training with a 0.00 ERA.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-time NL Cy Young Award winner stretched his scoreless streak to 21 1/3 innings with 6 2/3 innings against Kansas City in his final tuneup for Thursday’s opener against San Francisco. He allowed a leadoff single to Jon Jay and no other hits. He struck out four and walked none in a 10-0 win.
“He was efficient as he could ever be,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday. “He had everything working, fastball to both sides of the plate, the slider had the depth, the breaking ball was sharp. Clayton threw the ball really well. It was really encouraging for all of us. He doesn’t smile too often after outings, but I think he was pretty pleased.”
Kershaw allowed 12 hits in six starts, struck out 23 and walked four. The left-hander was pitching for the first time since turning 30 on Monday.
“Physically I feel great, which is good,” Kershaw said. “I’ve obviously pitched in the playoffs before, but finishing on November 1st, you never know how the extra couple of weeks will affect you. I feel good. I’m excited to get going and ready to feel a little bit of adrenaline.”
Kershaw altered his conditioning program during the offseason.
“It was never been about conditioning, but about trying to stay healthy,” he said. “Everything I’ve done has been geared about trying to keep my back healthy.”
A bad back limited Kershaw to 27 starts last season for the NL champions, but the seven-time All-Star still tied for the NL lead with 18 victories.
Kershaw will make his eighth consecutive opening day start, a franchise record, and will have an extra day of rest.
“I kind of like this way because you feel like you’re still building into the season,” Kershaw said.
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