Kershaw preparing for possible NLCS Game 2 start
Lefty optimistic Dodgers will advance; Anderson or Wood would start Game 1 vs. Cubs
LOS ANGELES -- Nineteen hours after his final pitch Tuesday night in New York, Clayton Kershaw was on the field at Dodger Stadium for his usual day-after workout Wednesday afternoon.
"Got to pitch Sunday," said Kershaw, optimistic that Zack Greinke and the Dodgers will win Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, TBS) and advance to the NL Championship Series against the Cubs.
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Pitching on three days rest in Game 4, Kershaw allowed the Mets one run in seven innings for a 3-1 win on Tuesday at Citi Field, keeping the Dodgers alive while snapping a personal five-game postseason losing streak.
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After a cross-country team charter flight, Kershaw said he arrived home around 4:30 a.m., slept fast, then did some running and played some light catch at Dodger Stadium. Officially, Wednesday was a complete day off for the team.
Kershaw's normal routine would include a regular bullpen session before Thursday's game. With Greinke pitching Thursday and Kershaw needing five days until Game 2 of the NLCS if the Dodgers advance, the choice for the Game 1 starter comes down to Brett Anderson or Alex Wood.
Anderson did not face the Cubs this year, while Wood went 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his only start against them. Kershaw was 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in two starts against Chicago with 23 strikeouts in 15 innings, but he also allowed three home runs.