Clayton Kershaw dropping out of ERA lead, but comeback continues

Clayton Kershaw on July 5. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

By Jon Weisman

Today, the Dodgers play their 122nd game of the season. Clayton Kershaw remains stuck on 121 innings.

That means, for the first time since the season began — and hopefully only for the time being — Kershaw will no longer qualify for the MLB lead in such stats in ERA (1.79) and strikeout/walk ratio (16.1, a big-league record pace).

The chances of Kershaw compiling 41 more innings before the season ends October 2, in order to re-qualify, have dimmed. However, the hope that he does return to contribute sometime in September continues to grow, thanks to what looks to have been a successful bullpen session today in Cincinnati.

Kershaw's bullpen has ended. He appeared to be laughing walking off the field, and, most importantly, wasn't holding his back in agony.

— Cody Pace (@CodyPace) August 20, 2016

Kershaw’s next bullpen session is scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles. Remarkably, despite nearing the two-month anniversary of his most recent game, the 28-year-old ace has retained the MLB lead in wins above replacement, according to Fangraphs.

In the meantime, the Dodger starting pitchers beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the, well, present. According to Dave Roberts:

• Brett Anderson looks today for a much better outing than his one-inning, five-run 2016 debut August 14.
• Julio Urías makes his 11th start in the Majors on Sunday.
• Scott Kazmir takes the mound in the finale of the four-game series in Cincinnati on Monday.
• Kenta Maeda, on six days’ rest, will open the three-game series at Dodger Stadium against the Giants on Tuesday.
• Rich Hill remains on track to make his Dodger debut Wednesday.
• Anderson would pitch the series finale against the Giants on Thursday.