Park, Kershaw to Compete

By Kang Seung-woo

Staff Reporter

One win, one save and a 2.17 ERA in 29 innings along with a recent strong four-inning outing are not enough for right-hander Park Chan-ho to earn the fifth spot of the rotation over inexperienced but much-heralded prospect Clayton Kershaw.

The Los Angeles Dodgers called up southpaw fastballer Kershaw from Jacksonville in Double-A Saturday and slated him to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

With the promotion, the South Korean hurler, who has worked well in long relief and gunned for another start, is likely to remain in the bullpen for the time being.

Although the South Korean right-hander failed to gain a victory in the game, where he started for the first time since April 2007, he proved he was still effective as a starter by throwing four innings, giving up two runs, one earned.

If first baseman James Loney had not committed a couple of defensive miscues, he would have finish the fifth inning, putting him on track for the win.

Kershaw, a Highland Park High School standout, was the Dodgers' first round pick in the 2006 draft pick.

The lefty, who is equipped with a mid-150 kph fastball and a curve ball, and was nicknamed ``public enemy No. 1'' by Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully, provided a glimpse of his readiness for the U.S. Major Leagues in spring training.

Kershaw allowed only one run, which came from a home run to the first batter he faced in an exhibition game, and struck out 19 over 14 innings.

In the minors, he is 0-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 43 1/3 innings while whiffing 47 this season.

However, should 20-year-old Kershaw not live up to manager Joe Torre expectations, the 34-year-old former All-Star might grab a chance for a starting job among the team's candidate pool.

Esteban Loaiza, who beat Park in the spring camp for the fifth spot thanks to his high salary of $7 million, was designated for assignment on the same day.

The 36-year-old Mexican pitcher appeared in seven games including three starts this year and records 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA, disappointing the coaching staff, and was placed on the disabled list on May 7 due to a shoulder injury.

Another contender Jason Schmidt, who is working his way back from a shoulder operation last season, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list from the 15-day.

And manager Torre values lefty Kuo Hong-chih of Taiwan, who started for Los Angeles three times this season, as a long reliever.

ksw@koreatimes.co.kr