As a young pitcher in the major leagues, having wise veterans as mentors is crucial to developing into a consistent starter or reliable reliever. For any young Dodgers pitcher, having Clayton Kershaw as a leader is a home run.
Even as Kershaw has dealt with injuries this season, he has been vital in encouraging the young pitchers who have stepped up as the Dodgers have suffered from a variety of challenges to their starting rotation.
“It’s important because of what he means to our team. And what he’s done,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.