With a talent-laden rotation and several pitchers recovering from injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers face key decisions heading into the postseason.
One of them could be moving veteran Clayton Kershaw to the bullpen, a strategy that would give the team greater flexibility and depth in critical moments.
A saturated rotation of stars
Manager Dave Roberts has a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, considered the ace of the team, along with Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. All of them have the potential to dominate in the postseason, which leaves Kershaw in a position where he could contribute more as a reliever.
Kershaw remains effective, but limited
Despite being 37 years old, Kershaw has good numbers this season: 8-2 with a 3.13 ERA. He was even selected to the All-Star Game. However, his ability to pitch multiple innings has diminished, which could pose a risk in high-pressure games.
A strategic duo with Ohtani
Moving Kershaw to the bullpen would allow him to complement Ohtani, who is also limited in terms of workload. Both could alternate in key games, offering quality without compromising physical endurance. This strategy would also allow Roberts to better react to unexpected situations.
Experience in decisive moments
Kershaw has proven he can perform in big moments, and his presence in the bullpen could be key if any of the starters fail to complete their innings. The Dodgers have used starters as relievers in previous postseasons, and the move would not be new for the franchise.
Flexibility to win
With a star-studded roster and championship aspirations, the Dodgers must make bold decisions. Moving Clayton Kershaw to the bullpen is not a demotion, but a smart strategy that could make the difference in October. His experience, leadership and adaptability make him a valuable asset, both inside and outside the rotation.
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