Until J.P. Howell was charged with three runs (two earned) in one-third of an inning against the Oakland A’s, he had the third-longest active scoreless innings streak in baseball. Zack Greinke lost the longest active streak (sixth all-time) on Sunday. The top three prior to Wednesday night:
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 29
Mark Melancon, Pirates 21
Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his start against the A’s on Wednesday due to a sore hip. Under the circumstances, it’s hard not to overreact.
Having Kershaw pitch every fifth day is a linchpin to the Dodgers’ playoff hopes; having him pitch in October is integral to their championship strategy.