Shohei Ohtanis gives the Los Angeles Dodgers an escape route if aging future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw can't overcome his postseason shortcomings.

Having lost four in a row and their lead in the NL West, the Dodgers entered Friday night's series opener against the surging Padres needing to play with some urgency.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/padres as Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Downplays Win Over Padres: 'It's a Game in August'. Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw held the stance he took before the Dodgers' series against the San Diego Padres, keeping his eyes on October.

Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer were selected four picks apart in the 2006 MLB Draft, have both won three Cy Young Awards and are still adding to their Hall of Fame résumés, with their latest chapters coming in the same game on Friday.

Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw are set to square off in a rare matchup on Friday. Both are members of baseball's 3,000-strikeout club and likely Hall of Famers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers reclaimed first place in the National League West on Saturday, beating the San Diego Padres 6-0 at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles is now 70

Appearing to struggle with his mechanics, Clayton Kershaw puts up a shaky performance in the Dodgers' 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

In this thrilling baseball moment, watch as Clayton Kershaw showcases his incredible pitching prowess with a surprising pick-off move. With the runner only two feet off first base, Kershaw's quick reflexes and strategic play turn what seems like an ordinary game moment into an extraordinary display of talent.