All signs are that the Los Angeles Dodgers will call up phenom Clayton Kershaw from the minor leagues in time for either a Saturday or Tuesday start, according to the Dodgers official site. See to it that you have enough roster flexibility to make the quick, speculative waiver wire addition.

While Kershaw is obviously not a slam dunk - no rookie is - a left-hander wise beyond his years and armed with two dominant pitches projects well. He could make strong contributions in strikeouts, ERA and WHIP immediately.

The Dodgers’ site discusses Kershaw’s brief, one-inning start on Thursday night and how it factors into his callup. It also goes into the 20-year old lefty’s spring training, which put Kershaw on the national map.

But it could be sooner than that. By throwing only one inning and a pregame warmup (the equivalent of a bullpen session), Kershaw could be slipped into the Dodgers rotation as early as Saturday night, when Brad Penny is scheduled to start. That would buy an extra day or more for Penny, who has scuffled through his past four starts while pitching through shoulder stiffness.

In terms of putting Kershaw in your lineup for his first start, I would not recommend it. Kershaw could very well be a long-term savior, but shouldn’t be called upon to win your weekly matchup. A Saturday start would be appealing because it does come at home, but the Cardinals lineup is formidable enough to stash him on your bench and avoid some risk.

More Kershaw talk …
LA Dodger Talk says Saturday will be The Kershawshank Redemption’s debut.

MLB.com’s Fantasy 411 is also on board with picking up Kershaw now.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.