Clayton Kershaw’s post-start reaction Sunday seemed to encapsulate how every Dodgers player, and fan, has been feeling the past few weeks.
Kershaw trotted into the dugout with his head down before slamming his glove onto the bench and ripping off his hat in disgust.
The Dodgers’ went on to lose, 6-5, to the Brewers, marking the team’s 10th defeat in 12 games, and Kershaw was likely frustrated at the series of errors that cost his team in Milwaukee’s three-run fourth inning.
The 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner declined to explain much after the game, though, ending his interview early after telling reporters: “I don’t have much to say. I’m going to get myself in trouble so let’s call it.”
Kershaw, 37, twirled three scoreless innings before the fourth, but the Brewers got on the board after third baseman Tommy Edman’s throwing error allowed Andrew Vaughn to shuttle home.
Then, Milwaukee’s Andruw Monasterio scored after Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages dropped a routine fly ball on the warning track.
A poor throw from left fielder Esteury Ruiz allowed another Brewers run to score in the fifth, marking a third error during Kershaw’s 4 ⅓-inning start.
To make matters worse, star first baseman Freddie Freeman suffered a wrist injury after getting hit by a pitch in the sixth inning and is day-to-day, according to manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers were already without a long list of key players, including third baseman Max Muncy (left knee bone bruise) and pitchers Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation) and Roki Sasaki (right shoulder impingement).
The team will look to rely on Kershaw’s veteran leadership as they try to get back on track, with three games at home against the Twins on tap before a nine-game road trip to Boston, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay.
Kershaw, a Dodgers legend in his 18th season with the team, has a 3.27 ERA with 37 strikeouts through 11 starts this season.
Los Angeles (58-42) is clinging to first place in the National League West, with a 3 ½ game lead on the second-place Padres.