Clayton Kershaw missed the first 45 games of the season, but his contributions have been nothing short of vital for a Los Angeles Dodgers rotation that has lost so many pitchers to injury.
It had been a difficult year and a half for Kershaw leading up to his 2025 debut on May 17, with three separate surgeries in that span. It began with left shoulder surgery shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 season, which caused him to miss the beginning of the 2024 campaign.
Kershaw wasn’t fully healthy during the 2024 season, as he only made seven appearances before being placed back on the injured list and remaining there for the rest of the year due to left big toe issues. He had offseason surgery performed once again, this time for his left foot and left knee.
It’s been a completely different story in 2025, as Kershaw has been a steadying presence and has provided length for a Dodgers staff that has desperately needed it. He’s gone at least five innings in five of his last six outings.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the effect Kershaw has had on the team this season, via SportsNet LA:
“I’m just impressed, because he’s given us a shot in the arm. We were sort of ailing on the starting pitching side, and coming in here, giving us valuable innings, I just love that kind of edge that he gives each start day.
“We certainly feed off that. … Clayton just elevates the play for everyone.”
Kershaw has a 4-0 record this season and the Dodgers are 6-2 in games he has started.
Leading up to a start at Coors Field last week, his recent results on the mound were very positive. Kershaw had a 2.49 ERA over his three starts in June, but was not satisfied with the amount of hits and walks he was allowing.
He said the outing against the Rockies was the best he’s felt after working through some mechanical issues in search of more consistency on the mound.
Clayton Kershaw closing in on 3,000 career strikeouts
With his start against the Rockies, Kershaw surpassed the start total from last year and is three strikeouts away from 3,000 for his career.
Kershaw’s next chance at history is Wednesday, when he’s scheduled to start against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
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