The 2022 MLB All-Star Game is being held at Dodger Stadium for the first time in three decades and the Los Angeles Dodgers have eight deserving candidates.
Among them is Clayton Kershaw, who is in the midst of another strong season. The future Hall of Famer has posted a 2.40 ERA with 69 strikeouts and a 1.01 WHIP thus far, but he has also been limited to 63.2 innings, far fewer than some of the other candidates.
But despite his limited workload, Freddie Freeman still believes Kershaw should not only make the National League roster but start the All-Star Game.
“Hopefully he gets in there, because he deserves it,” Freeman said. “He’s been a special pitcher for 14 years. I’m just happy to be his teammate now. He should be able to pitch in his home stadium. He’s been pitching like an All-Star all year.”
Kershaw has been turning back the clock in his age-34 season, which hasn’t surprised Freeman. “If you’re a Hall of Famer, you’re a Hall of Famer,” he said. “You’re going to figure it out.
“Even though he’s 91-92 (mph) now, that slider is still so unhittable. I’ve seen it so much. It looks like a heater very single time and it dies on you at the last second. It’s 87-88, three miles an hour off, so it makes you go at heater speed and it’s just gone off the table.
“He’s been doing it for a long time and if he wants to, he can go for a lot longer.”
Kershaw would be honored to start All-Star Game
There has also been a push for Kershaw to start the All-Star Game for the NL team. In his previous eight selections, Kershaw has never been given that honor despite being baseball’s best pitcher.
While there are multiple deserving candidates, including Dodgers teammate Tony Gonsolin, Atlanta Braves southpaw Max Fried and Miami Marlins breakout ace Sandy Alcantara, Kershaw could make his first start at his home stadium, which would present a special opportunity for his career.
“I’ve said it’s a huge honor and it would be very special,” Kershaw said. “But I don’t want it to be one of those things where I’m taking a spot or taking something from somebody that’s more deserving than me.
“Thankfully, I don’t have to make that call. I would love to do it, but at the same time, I get it. There’s a lot of guys pitching really well, so I understand either way.”
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