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Clayton Kershaw Returns for 18th Dodgers Season After Recovering From Surgeries

The 37-year-old left-hander is set to start Saturday against the Angels, aiming to stabilize a depleted rotation and close in on the 3,000-strikeout milestone.

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw tosses a ball as he walks through the dugout early in a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 10: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at T-Mobile Park on July 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Kershaw will make his 2025 season debut Saturday after recovering from knee and toe surgeries performed last November.
  • His return comes as the Dodgers' rotation faces significant challenges, with key starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki sidelined by injuries.
  • The veteran pitcher posted a 2.57 ERA in five minor-league rehab starts, signaling improved physical readiness.
  • Kershaw is 32 strikeouts away from joining the elite 3,000-strikeout club, a milestone achieved by only 19 pitchers in MLB history.
  • Entering his 18th season with the Dodgers, Kershaw has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute again but has acknowledged he would consider retirement if his performance declines significantly.