The Dodgers are hoping that Clayton Kershaw will be ready to go when the playoffs roll around. They don’t necessarily need him for the regular season run, especially with their lead in the National League West over the Padres. But the playoff implications of him being out are tough to ignore.
If he’s healthy, Kershaw automatically plugs in as one of the top 2 starters for the Dodgers in any series. His presence also allows Dave Roberts to push some guys to the bullpen and gives them length when it matters the most. But if he’s out, things change up a lot.