Kershaw, Dodgers look to create space in division race

When Clayton Kershaw steps on the mound Tuesday night, he’ll make his 40th career start against the Rockies. Only the Giants (44) have seen more of the lefty in his brilliant 11 years in the big leagues.

Kershaw will be looking to put some space between the Dodgers and Rockies as Los Angeles vies for their sixth consecutive division title. Neither team has been able to go further than a 1.5-game lead in the NL West, a fact the Dodgers hope to change with their two best starters over the next two nights.

In 18 career starts at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw has dominated the Rockies to the tune of a 1.72 ERA, surrendering just 22 earned runs in 115 innings of work. Who could forget the left-hander’s near-perfect night in 2014, no-hitting Colorado with 15 strikeouts.

That Kershaw might not make an appearance Tuesday, but the 30-year-old is still pitching well enough to dominate.

The Dodgers are 11-4 in Kershaw’s 15 starts since returning from the DL on June 28. Taking the first game out of that for his major league rehab appearance, Kershaw is 7-1 with a 2.27 ERA over his last 14.

If there is going to be a 10th straight year of lowering his career ERA, Kershaw needs some zeroes on the scoreboard. With three starts to go, the most he could give up is three earned runs if he combines for at least 20 ²⁄₃ innings.

The number to beat is 2.3628 that he carried into 2018. Two earned runs over 18 innings would get Kershaw a 2.3613. Any more than two runs makes it difficult. It’s possible, but not likely.

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m. PT