Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw to start record 8th season opener
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws during Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, at Nationals Park, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
In this Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw makes a relief appearance during the third inning of Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — No surprise here: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Clayton Kershaw will make his team-record eighth opening-day start, against the visiting San Francisco Giants on March 29.
Roberts made the announcement Tuesday when pitchers and catchers reported to spring training with the defending NL champions.
Kershaw turns 30 on March 19. He is tied with Don Drysdale and Don Sutton at seven opening-day starts. Kershaw was 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA last year.
He wasted a four-run lead and was chased in the fifth inning of a 13-12, 10-inning loss to Houston in Game 5 of the World Series, leaving Los Angeles in a 3-2 World Series deficit. The Astros won in seven games.
