MLB: Top Five Players to Make or Break Postseason
By Kit Anderson
(17) looks on in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
#4 Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in the game, period. I don’t care what he has or hasn’t done in the postseason. Kershaw is the best active pitcher in the league, and if the Dodgers want to catch the Giants they need Kershaw to get healthy. Without him their staff is less than impressive.
The Dodgers have been chasing the Giants for most of the season and are finally within reach, having tied San Francisco atop the division on Tuesday. The problem for the Dodgers is the amount of injuries they’ve suffered. Including Kershaw the Dodgers cannot seem to stay healthy. They have been hit hard and Kershaw is no doubt the biggest blow.
If he can come back healthy and the Dodgers are still within reach then he will be the difference, and at the very least a large confidence boost.
If Kershaw cannot return, much like Wainwright with the Cardinals, it is doubtful the Dodgers move past the wild card game if they make the postseason at all, regardless of their current hot streak. Without even taking into account the implications Kershaw’s return would have on his team, it’s just better for the game when the best pitcher in baseball is healthy.
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