Clayton Kershaw accepted the reasons he was given for not starting Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

"I wouldn't really consider it a gut punch," Kershaw said about the decision.

The Los Angeles Dodgers went with Hyun-Jin Ryu in their series opener against the Atlanta Braves and were victorious 6-0.

Kershaw had started eight of the Dodgers' past 10 postseason Game 1s.

If Kershaw had gone first, he would be on four days' rest, while Ryu would be on six days' rest for Game 2.

"This year I've pitched with an extra day a lot more than in years past," Kershaw said. "I mean, not necessarily by choice, not that I wanted to do it. We have more off days now during the season, so it kind of worked out that way. But I think I probably would have been fine either way."