17
Oct,2025
When Dave Roberts, manager of Los Angeles Dodgers stepped up to the podium at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2025, the baseball world leaned in. He announced that veteran right‑hander Clayton Kershaw, a three‑time Cy Young winner, would shift exclusively into a relief role for the upcoming National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. The declaration came just before Game 1, clocking in at 10:30 a.m. PT, and set the tone for what promises to be a “David vs. Goliath” showdown.
Historical Context and Past Postseason Runs
Roberts didn’t just roll out a roster change; he reminded fans of the Dodgers’ recent climb. The club captured its first World Series title since 1988 by beating the New York Yankees on October 30, 2024, a triumph that sparked talk of back‑to‑back championships. In 2020, Kershaw himself started three NLCS games against the Atlanta Braves, posting a 2.92 ERA over 15.1 innings – a performance still fresh in the minds of analysts.
That legacy matters because the Dodgers are eyeing their 23rd NLCS appearance since the series began in 1969. The Brewers earned home‑field advantage with a 94‑68 record, edging the Dodgers’ 98‑64 mark only on paper; the Dodgers boast a deeper postseason pedigree, having broken a 119‑year franchise record for consecutive series wins during the NLDS on October 9, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park.
Roster Moves: Kershaw, Rushing Out, Casparius In
The October 13 press conference also unveiled a cascade of roster tweaks. While Kershaw’s bullpen assignment was the headline, Roberts confirmed that right‑hander Michael Grove Rushing, age 26, was removed from the 26‑man NLCS roster. In his stead, the club added 24‑year‑old Benjamin Robert Casparius, a 2022 14th‑round pick out of the University of Connecticut who posted a 3.86 ERA over 44.1 innings for Triple‑A Oklahoma City.
Behind the scenes, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes signed off on the changes on October 15, meeting MLB’s deadline. Their decision reflects a blend of analytics and gut feel: Statcast data through October 15 shows Kershaw’s .201 career batting average against right‑handed hitters in the postseason, a stark contrast to his .287 average against lefties.
Starting Rotation and Strategic Adjustments
Roberts also mapped out the Dodgers’ opening‑series rotation. Left‑hander Blake Snell, age 32, will take the mound for Game 1. Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 26, gets Game 2. And right‑hander Tyler Glasnow, 31, ends the trio in Game 3. Each brings a 95‑plus MPH fastball mix, a fact Kershaw highlighted in an October 16 interview with Marca English: “Snell and Yamamoto have been absolute workhorses this October— their ability to command multiple pitches at 95‑plus mph sets the tone for our entire staff.”
Roberts also gave a nod to two‑way superstar Shohei Ohtani, noting the Japanese star had shortened his stride to better handle the Brewers’ high‑fastball tendencies. The adjustment aims to counter Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee’s left‑handed fire‑ball duo.
Medical Clearance and Performance Data
After Kershaw’s rough 0.2‑inning relief stint in Game 3 of the NLDS – three earned runs on four hits, a 6.75 ERA – questions about his health surged. Senior Vice President of Medical Services Stan Conte dispatched a statement from Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center confirming no structural shoulder damage after a post‑game MRI. “His left shoulder is clear, and he’s ready for the bullpen,” Conte said.
Even with that clearance, the Dodgers are treating Kershaw as a situational weapon. His career .201 batting average against right‑handed postseason hitters suggests a strategic edge in high‑leverage moments, especially against the Brewers’ power‑hitting righties. However, his .287 average versus left-handed batters remains a vulnerability that Roberts is keenly aware of when shaping late‑inning matchups.
Reactions, Fan Sentiment, and Expert Analysis
Fans took to Twitter with mixed feelings. Long‑time Dodgers supporter @LADodgerFan wrote, “Kershaw in the bullpen? Bold move, but I trust Roberts.” Meanwhile, Brewers’ social media manager posted a cheeky meme implying the Dodgers were “running on nostalgia.”
Baseball analyst Jane Miller of ESPN noted, “Roberts is leveraging Kershaw’s experience without overtaxing his arm. If the bullpen can hold the line, Kershaw becomes a high‑odds, low‑risk option in the eighth or ninth.” Miller also pointed out that the Dodgers’ bullpen ERA sits at 2.95 this postseason, the best among NL teams.
On the Brewers’ side, Cy Young frontrunner Freddy Peralta shrugged off the news, focusing on his own preparation. “We stay ready. Whatever they bring, we’ll match it,” he said in a pre‑game interview at the stadium’s press box.
Looking Ahead: Game 4 and Beyond
If the series extends to a Game 4 on October 19, 2025, at American Family Field, Kershaw could see action again, depending on bullpen fatigue. Roberts hinted at a “flexible” plan, promising to “listen to the guys and adjust accordingly.”
Beyond the NLCS, the Dodgers’ front office is already eyeing the World Series, where a second straight title would be the first for the franchise since the 1988 championship team. For now, the focus stays on leveraging veteran poise, strategic rotations, and a freshly minted bullpen role for a legend who’s still writing his postseason story.
- October 13, 2025: Roberts announces Kershaw’s bullpen assignment.
- October 15, 2025: Roster finalized by Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes.
- October 16, 2025: Kershaw discusses rotation strengths in Marca English interview.
- Game 1 starter: Blake Snell; Game 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto; Game 3: Tyler Glasnow.
- Potential Game 4 bullpen usage for Kershaw on October 19, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Dodgers move Kershaw to the bullpen for the NLCS?
Roberts cited Kershaw’s veteran experience in high‑leverage situations and his statistical edge against right‑handed hitters. The move also protects his arm after a shaky NLDS relief outing and gives the staff flexibility for late‑inning matchups.
How does Kershaw’s postseason batting average influence his new role?
Statcast data shows Kershaw holds a .201 average against right‑handed batters in the playoffs, making him a potent option when the Brewers send power‑righties into the game. His .287 average versus lefties is a known weakness, so Roberts plans to deploy him primarily against righties.
What impact does the roster change have on the Dodgers’ bullpen depth?
Adding Kershaw and 24‑year‑old Ben Casparius brings a blend of experience and fresh arms. Casparius’s 3.86 ERA at Triple‑A suggests he can handle middle‑relief duties, while Kershaw provides a late‑inning specialist when the game is on the line.
How might the Brewers respond to the Dodgers’ bullpen strategy?
Milwaukee’s staff, led by Cy Young contender Freddy Peralta, will likely focus on mixing pitch types and attacking left‑handed hitters early. They may also test Kershaw’s stamina with short‑out appearances to gauge his effectiveness against their lineup.
What are the prospects for the Dodgers winning back‑to‑back titles?
If the bullpen holds, the rotation stays healthy, and Kershaw delivers in his assigned spots, Los Angeles has a strong statistical edge. The team’s postseason series‑win streak, now at 119 years of record‑breaking, underscores their momentum heading into a potential World Series rematch.
