Kershaw granted extra rest; Fife to start Wednesday

PHOENIX -- The Dodgers will give ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw three extra days of rest and start rookie Stephen Fife on Wednesday night against the D-backs. Kershaw will instead start Saturday in San Diego.

The club believes Kershaw, who already has thrown a Major League-high 223 innings, needs the extra rest as a precautionary measure, especially with the chance of pitching deep into October. He has allowed two earned runs in each of his last two starts, his most recent coming Friday night against the Giants.

Kershaw is healthy and threw a bullpen session Monday, instead of his normal throw day Sunday, and figures to throw another Wednesday. Ricky Nolasco will pitch as scheduled Thursday against Arizona.

Fife will be making his first start for the Dodgers since Aug. 4. In two relief appearances since his most recent recall, he has allowed seven earned runs in five innings.