Clayton Kershaw Will Not Start Game 5 Of NLCS

Clayton Kershaw is not going to start Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. On Wednesday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed the media that Kenta Maeda would start Game 5 against the Chicago Cubs, giving Kershaw a bit more rest.

When asked if there were any circumstances under which he would consider starting Kershaw, Roberts said, “No, no, Kenta.” That response came just before Game 4 began, with the Dodgers holding a 2-1 advantage in the series.

Kershaw has pitched a lot lately. He threw 110 pitches in 6.2 innings during Game 4 of the National league Division Series against the Washington Nationals. Then two days later he relieved Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning and recorded the final two outs. That was after Roberts said Kershaw wouldn’t be available for that game.

Then on just three days rest, Kershaw unleashed an ace-like showing in Game 2 of the NLCS. He went seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk, while striking out six. He only threw 84 pitches in the 1-0 win, which led many speculated he could again go — with just three days rest — in Game 5. Roberts claims that option is off the table, but you could forgive anyone for being skeptical.

The Dodgers lead the series 2-1 entering Game 4 Wednesday night.