Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw frustrated after another disappointing start

PHOENIX — Clayton Kershaw’s second start of the spring didn’t go any better than the first, leaving the reigning Cy Young Award-winner visibly frustrated.

“Physically, I feel great,” Kershaw said. “I don’t have any excuses. I don’t know. I’m searching for answers right now. I know it’s spring training and it doesn’t matter, but it matters to me. We have to figure it out.”

Kershaw pitched two perfect innings against the Oakland Athletics on Monday, only to implode in the third inning. Kershaw was removed before he retired a single batter that inning. He walked three and gave up two hits, including run-scoring singles to Sam Fuld and former teammate Nick Punto.

Kershaw, who departed from the game with the Dodgers trailing, 3-0, was charged with five runs in all.

He had no explanation for what happened.

“If I knew, I would have fixed it,” he said. “I don’t know. Not fun.”

Kershaw admitted he was concerned.

“It’s what’s the off-season’s for,” he said. “I don’t believe you come in to get ready. You’re supposed to be ready to go every time you pitch. I don’t know. Hopefully, we’ll figure it out here pretty quick.”

Kershaw gave up three runs and five hits in two innings in his previous start.

He said he hasn’t felt right the entire spring, even in bullpen sessions.

“No, not really,” he said. “I haven’t felt great yet. The first two innings I thought I maybe figured some things out. Maybe I did, but it really doesn’t matter after the third inning.”