Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw was in the middle of throwing a perfect game on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins. Seven flawless innings and only 80 pitches. But with the Dodgers up 6-0, manager Dave Roberts made the bonkers decision to pull Kershaw when he could've made history.
https://twitter.com/MajorLeagueMuse/status/1514322407338782730
As noted, the last perfect game was in 2012 by Felix Hernandez. The Dodgers still had a chance to throw a combined PG, but Alex Vesia gave up a hit to Gary Sanchez in the bottom of the eighth. I suppose we really don't know what was said between Kershaw and Roberts, but he is the type of competitor who would 100% want to get back on the mound and finish the job, even if he was feeling tired or sore.
If this start was any indication as to what Kershaw will pitch like this season, it's promising. It was the first outing of the year for him, striking out 13 Twins in the process. Everything was working for the Dodgers veteran. Really an absolute shame Roberts made this decision.
Also, the MLB is in severe need of more fans. Throwing a perfect game is obviously a great way to catch the eyes. There is also another way to look at it, though. Kershaw didn't make his first start against the Rockies for an unknown reason and he missed the playoffs in 2021 because of an elbow injury. Roberts did the logical thing no doubt, but it's still a shame.