Los Angeles – The return of Clayton Kershaw to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Thursday was nothing short of exhilarating for fans and players alike. The three-time Cy Young Award winner took to the mound, striking out six batters and allowing just two runs and six hits in his first appearance since undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
Kershaw’s comeback marked a historic moment for the Dodgers as he became the only pitcher to play for the team for at least 17 seasons, ending his longest absence from the big leagues. His last outing dates back to October’s NL Division Series opener against Arizona, where he was chased after one out and surrendered six runs. Following shoulder surgery in November, Kershaw began a minor league rehab stint in June to prepare for his highly anticipated return.
Reflecting on his performance, Kershaw humbly remarked, “It was OK. There’s some stuff I can get better at. I felt the breaking balls were good. The fastball command had a little to be desired overall. First time back out, I’ll take it.”
Despite exiting the game with the Dodgers leading 3-2 and eventually securing a 6-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants, Kershaw did not factor into the decision as he failed to pitch five innings. However, his presence on the field was a source of immense pride for manager Dave Roberts, who expressed his joy at witnessing the legendary left-hander back in action.
“Having him back out there was great,” Roberts said. “Hearing his song come out, watching him sweat, compete, punch guys out, it was great. I thought we pushed him enough to get ready for his next one where we can continue to build and get a nice foundation. It’s been such a long road for him back and I’m just happy for him and his family and the fans to get to see one of the greats.”
Adding to the emotional evening was Kershaw’s choice of footwear, as he donned cleats designed by his four children. A heartwarming video posted on his Instagram account captured the pitcher’s emotional reaction, with his wife, Ellen, and children looking on proudly from the stands.
In a testament to his enduring commitment to the team, Kershaw inked a contract in February guaranteeing $10 million, with the potential to earn up to $12.5 million this year and $25 million in 2025. The deal includes various incentives based on the number of starts or relief appearances of three or more innings, highlighting the Dodgers’ continued faith in their veteran ace.
As Kershaw embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career, the baseball world eagerly awaits his next stellar performance on the mound. And with each pitch, he solidifies his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats, captivating audiences and inspiring generations of players to come.
