7 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw has been bumped up in the rotation with the placement of Rich Hill (finger) on the disabled list. Kershaw will now open the three-game series against the Nationals at home against their ace, Max Scherzer. This is as close to a heavyweight match as you'll get in baseball. Kershaw picked his team up on Sunday and stopped their three-game losing streak by punching out 12 batters and allowing just one run on two hits. He'll face a Nats lineup that's also been on the ropes but is showing signs of life. Only two of the Nationals hitters have more than three career hits against Kershaw. Howie Kendrick is 6-for-15, though all of his hits were singles. Ryan Zimmerman is 8-for-25 with one home run and one double. Kershaw absolutely owns Bryce Harper, who is 1-for-18 lifetime against him. Daniel Murphy (knee) and Anthony Rendon (foot) have also hit well against Kershaw, but Murphy is in extended spring training and Rendon may not be himself, even if he does play. Kershaw is looking to keep his team's momentum going, especially against their regular playoff rivals. Expect fireworks and lots of strikeouts at Chavez Ravine on Friday.--Mario Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Andy McCullough - Los Angeles Times