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Clayton Kershaw: MLB 'bullied' into Chase Utley suspension

In the wake of Los Angeles Dodgers second basemen Chase Utley having been suspended two games by Major League Baseball for a hard slide into second base that broke New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's leg Saturday night, one of Utley's teammates feels the suspension was unwarranted.

Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw feels that the pressure from the sports media and Mets organization were the driving factors that ultimately got Utley suspended.

"Either change the rule or let it happen," Kershaw said. "I don't think you can be on the fence. I feel like MLB got maybe a little bit bullied into suspending him. Never happened before. I've seen slides a lot worse."

Utley has since appealed his suspension and will be eligible to play Monday in Game 3 in New York against the Mets.

For Kershaw however, it is not often that the three-time Cy Young Award winner is so vocal about a controversial topic. Kershaw has typically avoided making any comments that would stir controversy over the course of his career.

The Dodgers also announced Monday that regardless of whether they win or lose Game 3, Kershaw is in line to start Game 4 for the club on Tuesday.

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