Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw is “a likely possibility” to start Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.
Roberts, whose team trails the best-of-seven series 2-0, made the remark Wednesday prior to the start of Game 3 in Arlington, Texas.
Kershaw was originally slated to start Game 2 but was scratched Tuesday due to back spasms. The veteran left-hander has not pitched since winning Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 7.
Roberts said the team will wait to see how Kershaw’s back responds Thursday morning before making a final decision.
Kershaw, 32, began the abbreviated 2020 season on the 10-day injured list with back stiffness but recuperated to post stellar numbers. In 10 starts, he went 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA. He struck out 62 batters and walked only eight in 58 1/3 innings.
In the postseason, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA, surrendering three runs and nine hits over 14 innings.
Roberts said Kershaw’s back issue is not related to the early season injury and that the spasms started on Saturday during a bullpen session.
