Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw did not start Thursday in Game 1 of the NLDS. He said he did not have an issue with manager Dave Roberts’ decision.
"It wasn't really an agree or disagree type thing,” Kershaw said at a news conference before the game. “They had their reasons. I accepted them."
Los Angeles sent Hyun-Jin Ryu to the mound in the opening game of its series against the Braves. He threw seven scoreless innings, allowed just four hits and struck out eight in the Dodgers’ 6-0 win.
Kershaw will receive the ball in Game 2 on Friday.
"I wouldn't really consider it a gut punch," Kershaw said about not pitching Game 1. "I don't really think of it like that. I think: I get to pitch in another playoff series for the sixth year in a row. I'm looking forward to it.
"I don't really need to prove myself to anybody … I just want my teammates to want me out there."
Kershaw had started the opening playoff game in the Dodgers' five previous postseason trips, The Athletic noted.
The three-time Cy Young winner registered a 9-5 record with a 2.73 ERA in 26 starts this season. He struck out 155 and walked 29 in 161 1/3 innings pitched.