Calm down all you conspiracy theorists, the Dodger-blue sky is not falling because Clayton Kershaw is not starting Game 1 of the NLDS versus the Braves on Thursday night.

Hyun-Jin Ryu will get the first start. It will be the first time since 2009 that Kershaw will not begin a Dodgers postseason as the team’s opening-game starting pitcher.

Some are speculating they are sending a message, since Kershaw can opt out of his contract in a month. That’s total BS. Kershaw doesn’t care if he’s starting Game 1 or Game 2. He’s the ultimate team guy. Here’s the bottom line on why it’s a good move: Ryu is hot … Kershaw is not.

The Dodgers won five of seven games against the Braves this season and are on a roll right now, winning 14 of their past 18. They have been here before. Many of these young Braves have not.

The plays: The Dodgers will win Game 1 and take the series easily.