Here is your daily dose of Dodgers news and analysis for 4/1...
Kershaw Injured at Least a Month, maybe more...
It looks like Clayton Kershaw will not throw another in-game pitch in the month of April, and this injury may be more serious than Kershaw or the Dodgers first let on. The Dodgers have made a huge investment in the southpaw, and want him ready for their October run. For fantasy owners in roto leagues, this is crushing news, as losing 4 or 5 Kershaw starts is a crucial loss. In head to head leagues, your other pitchers have to keep you afloat for the month, as Kershaw will be just as dangerous for you in September whether he pitched in April or not. Be patient, he'll likely still be top 5 ranked per game when it's all said and done for pitchers. If you're in need of a waiver wire pitcher while Kershaw is on the DL, make sure to check out our waiver wire pickups list.
Kemp to be Brought Along Slowly...
Matt Kemp will be brought back "slowly" according to Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly, but it will be at the big league level. He will be activated on Friday presumably, and will spot start at the outset of his season. With 4 healthy and adequate outfielders on the roster, Kemp will probably play a couple games his first week, and will be brought along at a pace according to his conditioning and production. He will be a pesky plug-n-play when he is in the lineup, but he will be worth it. For those in weekly leagues, he may not be a must start until the last week of April, so keep him on the DL for as long as your league allows, so he is not eating up a precious roster spot.