No one wants to say it – or even think it – but perhaps it is time.
In his second start since undergoing glenohumeral ligaments and capsule surgery on his left shoulder on November 3, 2023, 36-year-old Dodgers future first-ballot Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw had what was clearly one of his worst starts since being drafted by the Dodgers in the first round in 2006 out of Highland Park High School in Dallas, TX.
“Yeah, not very good. Yes, not a lot went well at all,” Kershaw answered, when asked about his team’s ugly 8-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Wednesday. “Yeah, just gotta pitch better.”
(SportsNet LA)
The 10-time All-Star, five-time ERA title winner, three-time Cy Young Award winner, former MLB MVP and Player of the Year allowed seven runs on six hits (including a fourth-inning solo home run by Padres catcher Luis Campusano), while walking one and striking out none.
That painfully looming question is, of course, is it time for the other ‘Left arm of God‘ to hang up his spikes?
Again, although no one wants to say – or even think – it, there would be absolutely no shame whatsoever if Kershaw were to retire. In fact, doing so would start the clock on the mandatory five-year waiting period for his inevitable enshrinement into the sacred Halls of Cooperstown. It would also get 22 added to Dodger Stadium’s historic Ring of Honor.
(Ron Cervenka)
Please understand that in no way do I – nor does anyone – have the right to decide if the greatest pitcher of the past two decades should retire. That is entirely a decision that must come fron Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, period.
Play Ball!
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