Kershaw looks to stop Tigers Bats Monday Night

The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t experience interleague play last week, but will begin their navigation through the American League on Monday when they host the Detroit Tigers. While Detroit has been slowly and methodically reeling in the Cleveland Indians in the A.L. Central, the Dodgers have been losing ground to San Francisco in the N.L. West. The season is still young, but the problem for Los Angeles is that they will have to leap frog 3 teams to make their way to the top of their division.

Many MLB experts have considered the N.L. West the weakest division in baseball for several years despite the fact that the Giants are reigning World Champions. San Francisco has the second fewest runs scored in all of baseball, yet they still have a half game lead over the Diamond backs in the division. That scenario simply wouldn’t be possible in most other divisions as a solid combination of offense and pitching is necessary to sustain a lead. The Dodgers have been known for bringing up pitchers through their farm system for decades, yet they have gotten away from the thing that has led them to several World Series. They are currently ranked 25th in team earned run average, and are in jeopardy of falling completely out of the division race unless they get some help through trades or get much more production from their starters.

There are several above average ball clubs that can get away with having a pitching staff that is less than average, however, those teams are generally loaded with solid hitters from 1-9. The Dodgers have 2 or 3 tremendous offensive talents, but the lack of production from the remainder of their line-up is what keeps them from getting to the next level. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are having All-Star caliber seasons, but with the exception of Jamey Carroll they have no other regular starter that is batting above .258. Carroll has been a huge lift to this struggling offense. His .308 batting average has brought some stability to the bottom of the Dodgers line-up, and often gives Ethier and Kemp the opportunity to drive in runs. They will be in desperate need of runs when they take on the powerful offense of Detroit on Monday.

The Tigers will be starting ex-Dodger Brad Penny for tonight’s game. This may be a blessing for the Dodgers line-up as Penny is off to a poor 5-5 start with an ERA approaching 5.00. Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for Los Angeles, and he has clearly shown that he gives this team the best chance to win every time he takes the field. Kershaw may be one of the best pitchers that the average fan doesn’t know about. However, baseball handicappers know exactly what he’s capable of doing, and have listed the Dodgers as a healthy -155 favorite for Monday’s match-up. Tune in Monday night as the Dodgers look to get back on track with a solid performance from their “Ace” as they host the Tigers in this interleague showdown.

 

Related posts:

1. Wainwright and Kershaw Square off in Pitchers Duel Wednesday Night
2. Kershaw and Dodgers look to Take down Lincecum
3. Kershaw and Nolasco in Battle of Young Guns
4. Kershaw takes on Stout Cincinnati Line-Up Saturday
5. Red Hot Diamondbacks face Kershaw Wednesday

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