LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the Los Angeles Dodgers navigate through a challenging phase in their pitching roster, they are turning to the veteran prowess of Clayton Kershaw this Saturday. This matchup against the Los Angeles Angels will mark Kershaw’s much-anticipated return to the mound after nearly nine months away.
The 37-year-old left-handed pitcher, who is set to start his 18th season with the franchise, expressed his excitement during a recent press conference, saying, “I truly appreciate the opportunity to pitch at Dodger Stadium. It’s thrilling, especially with our team needing starters right now.”
Injuries have severely impacted the Dodgers’ starting rotation, with Blake Snell out due to left shoulder inflammation and Tyler Glasnow sidelined with right shoulder issues. Additionally, rookie Roki Sasaki has joined the injured list, grappling with shoulder impingement issues. This has translated into alarmingly low innings pitched by the Dodgers’ starters, totaling only 192 1/3 innings— the lowest in the league.
Kershaw, who has been on the 60-day injured list following surgeries on his left knee and big toe last November, finished his last season with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA over seven starts. His return is eagerly awaited not only because of his tenure but also due to the significant gap his absence has left in the rotation.
To prepare for this critical moment, Kershaw completed five rehab starts, culminating in a recent outing where he allowed merely two runs and two hits across four innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He noted a mental shift during his recovery: “When you focus on performance rather than how you feel, that’s when you know progress is happening,” he shared.
Achieving this Saturday’s game will enable Kershaw to tie the franchise record for longevity, joining iconic figures like Zack Wheat and Bill Russell. Since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958, Kershaw, along with Russell, is one of the few to have donned the uniform for 18 seasons—underscoring his deep-rooted connection with the team and its culture.
“The first step is just getting back on the mound; everything else will follow,” Kershaw emphasized, foreshadowing his ambitions for the upcoming season.
As he approaches an impressive milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts—just 32 away—Kershaw balances personal goals with team ambitions. He admitted, “I’ve been thinking much more about the game on Saturday than about that milestone.”
The recent release of backup catcher Austin Barnes, a key player in two World Series victories and the longest-tenured position player, has stirred emotions within the team, including for Kershaw. The Dodgers have since called up 24-year-old Dalton Rushing to step into Barnes’ shoes. Kershaw remarked on Barnes’ departure: “It caught everyone off guard; it’s tough to see a guy like that leave. But I respect Dalton; he’s earned his chance and has a bright future ahead.”
Reflecting on the past week, Kershaw has found joy in reconnecting with his teammates, relishing the camaraderie that comes with being part of the roster again. “Missing the game has made me realize how much I value the competition, and there’s overwhelming gratitude to be back with the team,” he noted.
Nevertheless, Kershaw remains committed to excellence and has a measured approach to his performance. “If I don’t perform well, the excitement will wear off quickly,” he acknowledged. “At some point, someone will tell me it might be time to hang it up.”
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