Clayton Kershaw's 2017 Season: A Statistical Deep Dive
Clayton Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and seven-time All-Star, had another stellar season in 2017, despite being limited to just 27 starts due to a back injury. Let's delve into the statistics that defined his 2017 campaign.
Regular Season Performance
Kershaw made 27 starts in the 2017 regular season, pitching a total of 175 innings. He compiled a 18-4 record with a 2.31 ERA, striking out 202 batters and walking just 31. His WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched) was an impressive 0.91, reflecting his exceptional control and command.
Pitching Repertoire and Effectiveness
Kershaw's pitching repertoire consists primarily of a four-seam fastball, curveball, and slider. In 2017, his fastball averaged 93.3 mph, while his curveball and slider both averaged over 80 mph. His curveball was particularly effective, generating a whopping 51.4% swing-and-miss rate.
Postseason Success
Despite the Dodgers' eventual World Series loss, Kershaw was dominant in the postseason. In four starts, he posted a 2-1 record with a 2.63 ERA, striking out 30 batters in 22 innings pitched. His performance in Game 5 of the World Series, where he pitched 7 innings of one-run ball, was particularly noteworthy.
Comparisons and Accolades
Kershaw's 2017 season was one of the best in baseball, despite the injury-shortened campaign. He finished third in the NL Cy Young voting, behind only Max Scherzer and Johnny Cueto. His 2.31 ERA was the lowest in the NL, and his 18 wins were tied for the most in the league.
Clutch Performance
Kershaw has always been known for his ability to perform in high-leverage situations, and 2017 was no different. He posted a 2.18 ERA with runners in scoring position, and a 1.80 ERA with two outs and runners in scoring position. His ability to bear down and make big pitches in crucial moments is a testament to his mental toughness and competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
Despite the back injury that cut his 2017 season short, Kershaw remains one of the game's premier pitchers. As he enters his age-30 season in 2018, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his dominance. With a career 2.39 ERA and over 2,000 strikeouts, Kershaw's legacy as one of the game's all-time greats is already secure. But with his competitive fire burning brighter than ever, there's no reason to believe he won't continue to add to that legacy in the years to come.
