2019 Topps Now - #617 - Kershaw Passes Koufax

The newest Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card makes note of Clayton Kerashaw's recent strikeout feat. Last night he recorded his 2,397th strikeout to surpass Dodger legend Sandy Koufax on the Dodgers' all-time strikeout list -- only Don Sutton and Don Drysdale have more. Go here to check it out and order. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I heard the crowd, but I was a little bit frustrated at myself at the time,” Kershaw said. “But after the game, I have the ball right here. It was really cool. I don’t know what to say other than it’s a special thing.”

Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Clayton Kershaw passed sandy Koufax for the most strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher in Lo Angeles Dodgers history when he retired the 2,397th batter of his career on strikes. Kershaw's milestone came in a solid performance, during which the left-hander struck out five and allowed just two runs over six frames.

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Welcome to the Blue, Dustin May!

When your prospects are too good to trade there's only one reasonable solution.

You call them up!

As you surely know by now, the power righty at Triple-A Oklahoma City, often bandied about as a trade target by other teams, will be called up to make his Major League debut later tonight. His name is Dustin May, and he just may show why we didn't need no stinkin' trade. Per Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors:

May boasts a three-pitch arsenal that includes a two-seam fastball that can touch 97mph, a cutter that reaches the low-90s, and an impressive curveball.  On the 20-80 scouting scale, MLB.com ranks all three pitches with at least a 60-grade, topped off with a 65-grade fastball.  May throws a lot of strikes, and doesn’t allow many walks or home runs.  While his 27 1/3 innings in Triple-A is a small sample size, May didn’t allow a single homer during his brief stint in the very hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Will Smith! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Everyone wants to be in that situation,” Smith said. “I’ve been in that quite a bit lately, and I’ve made the most of it. I’ve got confidence in that situation. It’s encouraging. You know you can do it. You’ve been there before.”
...
“I’m cautious to make this comparison,” Roberts prefaced with a grin, “but (Yasiel) Puig was like this when he came up. That’s the only time I’ll compare Will Smith and Yasiel Puig, but yeah, he’s coming up and that excitement — when he comes up, guys want to watch him.”

Smith hit a game deciding grand slam in the sixth inning to lead the Dodgers towards an 8-2 (boxscore) victory over the Padres.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/2019 LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!