March 19th, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Less than a week ago, it was being widely speculated – and reported – that 34-year-old (today) Dodgers ace and future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw would probably miss being the team’s Opening Day starter for only the fifth time in his soon-to-be 15-year Major League career, having done so nine times since 2011. In fact, Kershaw’s eight straight Opening Day starts from 2011-18 moved him past Dodgers Hall of Fame right-hander Don Sutton, who started seven straight season openers from 1972-78, for the Dodgers record in this category. Kershaw’s five Opening Day wins are tied with Dodgers Hall of Fame right-hander Don Drysdale for the team record.
By every indication, it will soon be 10 Opening Day starts and (hopefully) six Opening Day wins for the Dallas, TX native and Dodgers first-round draft pick in 2006 out of Highland Park High School in University Park, TX.
On Friday afternoon, Kershaw, who has dealt with significant elbow and forearm injuries over the past two seasons, started the Dodgers 2022 Spring Training opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, and by all indications, appears to be 100 percent healthy. As such, he will probably now make the Dodgers 2022 Opening Day start on April 8 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver.
In his 1.1 innings of work on Friday, Kershaw allowed one run and no hits, with one walk and no strikeouts to the five Milwaukee Brewers batters he faced on 21 total pitches.
“Good to be back, good to get the first one out of the way,” Kershaw said postgame. “It wasn’t great, honestly, but the first one, make sure everything’s working right, feel good, trying to get the adrenalin and fan-base best you can. Now I know what I can work on. It’s a good stepping stone.”
(Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA)
So what’s next for Kersh?
“I don’t know exactly what is going to happen, but probably start on the five-day plan now and get ready for the season,” Kershaw answered. “Health was the most important thing for me. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
A good spot indeed.
Enjoy your record 10th Opening Day start, Clayton.
Play Ball!
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