UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is set to start against the Seattle Mariners in what could be the final game of his illustrious career. However, manager Dave Roberts has confirmed Kershaw will be left off the roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series.
This news comes just minutes before the game, heightening the stakes for Kershaw, who aims to finish his regular season with a strong performance. Roberts stated Kershaw will pitch “as long as he can,” emphasizing that this start is crucial for the veteran left-hander.
Kershaw, who announced his retirement plans on September 18, 2023, has dedicated his entire 18-year career to the Dodgers. He made a brief appearance as a relief pitcher on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but will return to the rotation for this significant finale.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner holds an impressive 2.54 ERA, the lowest for any pitcher in the live-ball era since 1920. He also ranks fifth in Wins Above Replacement among left-handed pitchers in Major League history, trailing only Hall of Famers like Lefty Grove and Warren Spahn.
Kershaw’s legacy is further cemented by his contributions to the Dodgers’ World Series championships in both 2020 and 2024. As he prepares for this pivotal game, fans and teammates alike are rallying to support him in his last appearance on the mound.
What’s next? As the game unfolds, eyes will be on Kershaw to see if he can deliver a memorable performance worthy of his storied legacy. The Dodgers and their fans will be watching closely, knowing this could be the last chance to see the star pitcher in action.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops, and join the conversation on social media as Kershaw’s final chapter with the Dodgers unfolds.