Dodgers: Grading the starting pitchers for June

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Pitcher Brandon McCarthy
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Pitcher Brandon McCarthy /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 29: Clayton Kershaw /

A. . . . Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw was his usual dominant self in June going 5-0 in six starts. It was his best month so far this season; recording season bests in ERA, strikeouts, and OBA.

He posted a 2.23 ERA while striking out 57 and allowing the opposition to hit just .167 off of him. His only real blemish this month was that he allowed seven home runs, four of which came in a start against the Mets in a single game.

It is a problem that has plagued Kershaw the whole season so far, as he has already allowed a career-high 17 home runs this year. But, he hasn’t allowed one over his last two starts, so that is something to build off of. The home runs allowed are the only thing that prevents me from giving him an A+.

Kershaw seemed much more emotional and aggressive this month. His strikeout rate went way up to 12.7 SO/9 in June compared to April and May when he averaged 9.25 SO/9. Perhaps he heard all the whispers about him no longer being the best pitcher in the baseball and let that anger fuel him. Whatever it is, Kershaw seems to be fully locked in now, halfway through the season.