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Can anyone really invest in a Clayton Kershaw playoff start at this point?

Game 1 of the 2020 World Series is at 8:11 PM on FOX

The World Series gets underway tonight, with the Dodgers opening as heavy betting favorites. Not only are the Dodgers a pricey pick to win the series for a -210 payout at DraftKings Sportsbook, they also have a steep game 1 moneyline. It’s currently -182 for a Dodgers win in the opener, or +155 for the Rays to take it.

On the mound for the Rays is Tyler Glasnow vs Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Glasnow is 2-1 over 4 appearances in this postseason, with an ERA of 4.66. The Dodgers’ ace, Kershaw, is 2-1 in the playoffs with a 3.32 era. However, his last appearance vs ATL in game 6 of the NLCS was a bad one.

In 5 innings-pitched, Kershaw was hit 7 times including a home run before being pulled as the Dodgers went on to lose the game 10-2.

How bad in the playoffs is Clayton Kershaw?

I’m glad you asked. The answer is pretty bad, especially when compared to his career regular season dominance. Kershaw’s regular season record for his career is 175-76 (.696 winning percentage) with a 2.43 ERA. In the postseason? He’s 11-12 (.478 winning percentage) with a 4.31 ERA. He’s also averaged twice as many home runs allowed in playoff appearances vs the regular season.

His post-season choke-jobs for the Dodgers have become ‘a thing’ and that’s why I think the smart money is on whomever he is facing in a meaningful playoff game (like, you know, The World #$%*ing Series).

Plus, Glasnow is no slouch and could win this game for Tampa even if Kershaw actually shows up with his best stuff. Also, the Dodgers bullpen is taxed while Tampa had to drain less of their reserve arms vs the Astros. So, the Dodgers may have less of a pitching safety net in this game as well.

Rays vs Dodgers Game 1 Pick

Watch my World Series preview on The Props Network YouTube Channel

The Pick: Rays moneyline +155 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Rays vs Dodgers Game 1 Top Prop

Check back later today when the player prop lines are on the books.

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