Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw’s value stretches beyond the diamond

Numbers aside, Clayton Kershaw’s impact is felt throughout the Dodgers organization.

In anticipation of the quest for postseason play, manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks calls September “a pretty special time.”

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, September should also be a special time, but for another reason. Surging toward one of the best season records in major league history, the final weeks of this campaign can be unique simply because Clayton Kershaw will be back on the mound.

On the disabled list since July 23 when he injured his back during a game at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw is expected to resume his mound duties this Saturday during one game of a doubleheader in San Diego. Up to the point of his recent malady, Kershaw was totally locked in, and complied a 15-2 record with a 2.04 ERA in 141.1 innings. In that stretch, he fanned 168 hitters and opponents were hitting .197 against him.

Not that Kershaw’s return to the mound isn’t awaited with great anticipation, but his team has taken care of the dramatics this season. With the kind of lead the Dodgers enjoy and playoff discussion now sprinkled about in manager Dave Roberts’ pre-game media sessions, Kershaw is clearly not needed in any competitive environment. The sense is that Kershaw will get about five to six starts in the remaining weeks in preparation for postseason play. Then again, if he throws his back out again, the Dodgers will be forced to sustain an October without one of their premier pitchers.

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Clearly, Kershaw’s reputation is as glittering as his SoCal address. Move over, movie stars and other celebrities with or without a resume to match. Given the contributions from multiple players this season, Kershaw’s placement on the disabled list may have caused his contribution to be overlooked.

While this may be the case in a city that easily neglects, rejects and discards, Kershaw’s value is beyond measurable. That’s the reflection of Roberts, who told Call to the Pen before Tuesday night’s game with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field that Kershaw’s presence in Dodger blue transcends sheer wins, strikeouts and Cy Young awards.

“No, I can’t quantify (Kershaw’s) value,” he said. “Whether he’s sitting in the dugout watching a nine-inning major league baseball game, or in the community, he brings so much. It’s amazing to watch him around Rich Hill. Alex Wood, even (Yu) Darvish when he got here. His impact is enormous. His work in the community is unbelievable. What he does on the field is simply a part of who he is.”

While those around him tend to be astonished by numbers on the mound, the total perspective is easy to comprehend. From a team concept, Kershaw’s presence is more visible. Outfielder Chris Taylor, who came over from the Seattle Martiners in a mid-season trade last year, told Call to the Pen simply the obvious.

“His numbers are huge,” he said in the Dodgers clubhouse before Tuesday’s game with the Diamondbacks. “He is definitely the leader on this team, and it’s just what he brings to this team.”

Beyond the apparent and the noticeable, Kershaw’s baseball value will clearly be tested in just over one month. That’s when the Dodgers face the winner of the Wild Card game in the NL Division Series, and set their sights on the franchise’s first World Series title since 1988.

On the diamond Tuesday night

Arizona closer Fernando Rodney brought his roller coaster inside Chase Field for another haunting ride.

Entering the game with a two-run lead in the ninth, he allowed one tally and the Dodgers had runners on first and second with two down. Rodney worked a 3-2 count to Yasmani Grandal and the Dodgers catcher fouled off a few just to keep the crowd of 25,219 on the edge of their seats.

Finally, Grandal broke his bat on a slow roller to third and Jake Lamb threw out the L. A. backstop to end the game and preserve a 7-6 win over the Dodgers.

Aided by a five-run first inning and homers from A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt, starter Zack Godley hung on for his sixth win of the season. With the large early lead, Godley eventually gave up a solo shot to Yasiel Puig and a two-run homer to Chris Taylor before exiting after six innings.

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In explaining the homers to Call to the Pen, Godley simply said good hitters do what good hitters do.

“When you make bad pitches, good hitters take advantage,” he said. “Look, the only thing that matters is the win. Any win will give a team confidence.”

For the record, the Diamondbacks have won six straight and maintain a two-game lead over the Colorado Rockies for the first National League Wild Card spot.