Clayton Kershaw, the celebrated left-hander and three-time Cy Young Award winner, is poised to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday after a lengthy recovery period. Kershaw, who has been sidelined for nearly four months following offseason shoulder surgery, is eager to return to where he belongs—on the mound.
Kershaw's last appearance was a challenging one, as he faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in a postseason start, allowing six runs and recording only one out. This outing was far from characteristic for the seasoned pitcher, and he's undoubtedly looking to make a strong comeback.
As the Dodgers prepare to welcome back their ace, another highly anticipated game is set to take place on Thursday. The New York Mets will be squaring off against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets, riding high after sweeping both a two-game and a four-game series over their city rivals, the Yankees, look to maintain their momentum against the Braves.
Kershaw’s Comeback
The Dodgers have felt the absence of Kershaw, known for his precision and tenacity on the field. This season debut is more than just a return; it's a pivotal moment for the Dodgers as they aim to strengthen their rotation and make a push in the standings. For Kershaw, it’s an opportunity to erase the memory of his previous outing and reestablish his dominance.
“Getting Kershaw back is a game-changer,” a source close to the team noted. “His presence on the mound is unmatched, and his leadership in the clubhouse is invaluable.”
Insight into Fantasy Picks
For Fantasy sports enthusiasts, Thursday's matchups hold significant implications. Notably, Mike McClure, a renowned daily Fantasy sports professional who has amassed over $2 million in his career, utilizes a proprietary projection model that simulates each game 10,000 times. This rigorous approach has proven successful for McClure and serves as a reliable guide for many Fantasy sports players.
Among the standout players in this Fantasy landscape is Jurickson Profar. On Wednesday, Profar went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored, earning him 28.4 points on FanDuel and 21 points on DraftKings. Another player to watch is Gunnar Henderson, who leads all shortstops in home runs with 28 this season and ranks in the top three at his position in several other categories.
Key Player Performances
Priced at $6,300 on DraftKings and $4,500 on FanDuel, Henderson boasts an impressive .287/.373/.574 slash line and a .946 OPS this season. His prowess against right-handed pitchers, hitting .304 with a .982 OPS, makes him a valuable asset for any Fantasy lineup.
In the upcoming three-game series against the Miami Marlins, concluding on Thursday, the Orioles, second in the AL in runs scored and win percentage, will look to Henderson to deliver. Xander Bogaerts, priced at $4,000 on DraftKings and $2,800 on FanDuel, has also been performing exceptionally well. Since returning from a six-week shoulder injury hiatus on July 12, Bogaerts has been hitting .483 with a .983 OPS over seven games, including six multi-hit performances.
Matchup Insights
Bogaerts has demonstrated a consistent ability to rise to the occasion, with a career .306 average and an .853 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Facing Patrick Corbin, who holds a 5.35 ERA over 20 starts this season, Bogaerts seems well-positioned to continue his hot streak. Right-handed hitters are batting .301 with an .855 OPS against Corbin, suggesting that Bogaerts could have another standout game.
As the baseball season continues to unfold, the return of key players like Kershaw and the exceptional performances from stars like Henderson and Bogaerts will be pivotal in shaping the outcomes for their respective teams. Fans and Fantasy players alike will be watching closely, eager to see how these narratives develop on the field.