‘Hopefully I don’t screw it up’: Clayton Kershaw starting 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium
took a perfect game into the eighth inning of his final first-half start on Friday against the Angels.
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Kershaw’s lower inning count might have opened the door for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, who leads the league in ERA (1.76) and innings (138 1/3) and ranks fourth in strikeouts (123). Instead, Alcantara will come out of the bullpen.
So, too, will two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who at some point will follow American League starter Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays. McClanahan leads the major leagues in ERA (1.71) and WHIP (0.80) and tops the AL in adjusted ERA (212) and strikeout-walk ratio. He has not yielded more than two earned runs in a start since April 30.
Kershaw acknowledged that NL starters like Alcantara, Max Fried and teammate Tony Gonsolin have had superior first half’s and that there’s some sentiment to the decision.
“They all have better numbers than me,” says Kershaw. “Hopefully I don’t screw it up too bad.”
Says NL manager Brian Snitker: “Because we are in Los Angeles, home of the Dodgers, Clayton’s name kept coming up. I think it’s just perfect he starts the game.”
Kershaw becomes the 13th pitcher to start an All-Star Game at home.
Ohtani started the 2021 game in more ways than one – he led off the AL lineup, going0-for-2 at Coors Field, and also pitched a scoreless bottom of the first inning, maximizing the national window for his two-way greatness.
Ohtani’s budding legend was boosted yet again by making the team as both a designated hitter and starting pitcher, and then claiming the starting nod a second straight year. He has struck out 123 in 87 innings, ranking fourth in strikeouts despite making four fewer starts than most starters as the Angels manage his two-way load.
Baker says Ohtani’s camp indicated he’d prefer not to start the game.
Kershaw gets the NL start in at least a nod to what he’s meant to the Dodgers and Los Angeles, his career spanning a stretch in which the Dodgers made the playoffs eight consecutive seasons, winning seven consecutive NL West titles and the 2020 World Series. He once again can become a free agent after this season.
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was added to the AL lineup in place of Mike Trout, who has back spasms.
American League starting lineup
Starting pitcher: Shane McClanahan, LHP, Rays
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH, Angels
2. Aaron Judge, RF, Yankees
3. Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays
5. Giancarlo Stanton, LF, Yankees
6. Byron Buxton, CF, Twins
7. Tim Anderson, SS, White Sox
8. Andres Gimenez, 2B, Guardians
9. Alejandro Kirk, C, Blue Jays
National League starting lineup
Starting pitcher: Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., RF, Braves
2. Mookie Betts, CF, Dodgers
3. Manny Machado, 3B, Padres
4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Cardinals
5. Trea Turner, SS, Dodgers
6. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs
7. William Contreras, DH, Braves
8. Joc Pederon, LF, Giants
9. Jeff McNeil, 2B, Mets