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Dodgers Preview 2017: The Pitching Rotation

By Evan Lovett

Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias throws against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias throws against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ace

Clayton Kershaw is everything to the Dodgers.

With an unprecedented six consecutive top-five finishes in Cy Young award voting, his numbers are unparalleled for a modern pitcher.

The sturdy left-hander dominates batters on both sides of the plate with an arsenal that includes a pinpoint, low-90’s fastball, a neck-breaking curveball and a dominating slider.

He is perfect thus far in the spring, and looks to follow up on last year’s 1.69 ERA. The only question mark is his health, as a herniated back sidelined him last season for the first significant injury of his hallowed career.

He did not need surgery, and undertook a modified training regimen this offseason and so far has looked strong and healthy.

He is unquestionably the ace — and as he goes, the Dodgers go.

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