By calling on Kenta Maeda to make a spot start Tuesday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was providing the rotation with an extra day of rest for a second time this month. However, an exception is being made for Clayton Kershaw.
He will now start on regular rest Thursday, rather than take the mound in the series opener against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The change pushes Alex Wood back to the Friday start.
Kershaw will face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the finale of the four-game Freeway Series. Looking further down the calendar, it also allows for Kershaw to make two more starts prior to the All-Star break — in theory.