Dodgers' Kershaw out of Game 2, Gonsolin to start

Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw will not take the mound for his scheduled Game 2 start against the Braves. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw out of Game 2 with back spasms, Tony Gonsolin to start

By Blake Harper | Last updated 10/13/20

Clayton Kershaw will not start Game 2 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the ace pitcher has been scratched as the starting pitcher due to back spasms. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin is set to start in his place.

While Kershaw is out for Tuesday night's game against the Atlanta Braves, MLB Network's Jon Morosi says the team is "optimistic" that he will be ready by Game 4 "and possibly even Game 3 if his back improves relatively quickly."

RHP Tony Gonsolin will start Game 2 of the NLCS. LHP Clayton Kershaw has been scratched with back spasms.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 13, 2020

The Dodgers will need a solid performance from Gonsolin to get this series back on track, as they lost Game 1 to the Braves by giving up four runs in the 9th inning. Fortunately, he pitched very well in his eight starts this season, going 2-2 with a 2.31 era.

As for Kershaw, he had yet another lights-out season, earning a 2.16 ERA on 10 starts and more importantly, he has been solid in the playoffs so far, allowing three runs in 14 innings of postseason pitching.

Even down 0-1, the Dodgers remain the favorite to come out of the National League, as they have arguably the most talented roster in the entire MLB. If the team is able to win with Gonsolin, they should be in a solid position with Kershaw set to pitch Game 3 or 4. However, they will need their bats to come alive in Game 2, as they were only able to muster up a single run in their opening loss to the Braves.

Game 2 between the Dodgers and Braves will be played at 6:05 pm ET.

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