Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw entered the 2018 season with a lot to digest. Not only was the left-hander coming off his first career World Series appearance, but he will eventually need to make a decision on whether to exercise an opt-out clause and test free agency this winter.
The 2018 season marks Kershaw’s 11th in the big leagues and first since joining the 30-club. Back injuries have plagued the three-time Cy Young Award winner in recent years, but he quickly put an end to any of those concerns with 21.2 scoreless innings in Cactus League play.