Clayton Kershaw’s Foot Looks to Stomp Out Seattle

Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 2.55) vs. Jason Vargas (7-4, 3.64)

Dodger Lineup: vs. Seattle

Gordon 6

Herrera 5

Rivera 7

Ethier DH

Hairston 4

Loney 3

Ellis 2

Gwynn 8

Castellanos 9

It’s the morning after. Last night the Dodgers put up nothing but donuts as the Seattle Mariners sent out six pitchers to combine for a no-hitter (only the 10th combined no-no in MLB history). The Dodgers hadn’t been to Seattle to play against the Mariners since 2000, and after last night I’m not sure they’ll want to come back for another twelve years. The Dodgers’ at bats and swings were looking real bad throughout the game. Kevin Millwood has historically given us problems before, and last night was no exception. The Dodgers took the bait so to speak, and one by one were sent down in order through the entire nine innings except for a couple of walks and an error. There was a close play in the ninth when Dee Gordon looked like he beat out a ground ball, but of course the umpire ruled him out. Poor Nathan Eovaldi pitched hard and put up six scoreless innings, but his first win of the season still alludes him. The evening was frustrating and aggravating, but the Dodgers are still in first place with a MLB best record. Let Seattle have their heyday, but today is all business as our ace takes the mound looking for redemption.

Clayton Kershaw’s start will be closely monitored since he has been reportedly been dealing with some plantar fasciitis in his foot. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. He says that it does not affect his pitching but only hurts when he runs, but his off day routines had to be altered. Kersh is very particular about his conditioning routine. He had to forgo his outfield running, but he still threw his bullpen session.

"“It’s not going to stop me from pitching,” Kershaw said. “It’s just annoying.”"

Luckily Kersh won’t have to bat, so this may give his foot some rest. Last time out against the Phillies, Kersh wasn’t a part of the decision even though the Dodgers went on to win. Kersh has only pitched 6 innings against Seattle in his career, and he has a 1-0 record with a 3.00 record and 8 strikeouts against the Mariners.

Jason Vargas, a lefty, will try to continue the no-no streak for the Mariners as he goes for his

eighth win of the season. Vargas has been the best Seattle pitcher so far this season, and the light-hitting lineup has given him 28 runs in support during his last three victories. In his career against the Dodgers, he is 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA in 13 2/3 innings pitched. Juan Rivera and Bobby Abreu, who both used to play in the AL, have the most at bats against Vargas. Rivera is hitting .273 with two homeruns against him, and Bobby is hitting .227 against the southpaw.

In injury/rehab news, Juan Uribe went 2 for 3 in his rehab start for the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes last night. He hit a homerun and a triple. He played third base for 6 innings. He should be ready to return to the big club on Monday when the Dodgers return home from the long road-trip.

Today’s game will start at 4:15 pm from Safeco Field, and it will be televised on FOX. Look for our postgame recap. We’re always here whether it’s a win or a loss or a no-hitter!