As has been the case for nearly the past 10 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers named Clayton Kershaw their Opening Day starter, selecting the left-hander over Walker Buehler. Manager Dave Roberts described the decision as a ‘difficult’ one, noting Buehler’s emergence last year.
For Kershaw, it’s a return to the honor he held from 2011-2018. He holds the Dodgers franchise record for most Opening Day starts, and only had his streak snapped last year because of shoulder trouble.
In being given the ball for the matchup with the San Francisco Giants on March 26, Kershaw spoke with Buehler and Roberts to ensure it was earned and not simply in respect to his legacy.