Clayton Kershaw did not debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers this year until July 25 due to a long recovery from offseason left shoulder surgery.
He wound up making seven starts for the team before being placed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 31 because of left big toe inflammation caused by a bone spur.
Kershaw hoped to return in time for the postseason, but he was ruled out after the injury worsened during his comeback attempt.
The left-hander is still with the Dodgers and supporting his teammates as they navigated their postseason journey to the World Series.
“It is what it is,” Kershaw answered when asked how difficult it is not being able to pitch.
“Obviously I’d like to be out there, but I can’t, so just try to be the best teammate I can and have fun watching the game from the front row.”
Kershaw went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 30 innings pitched this year. It’s the first time since his rookie season in 2008 that he posted an ERA above 4.00.
Clayton Kershaw not retiring
Considering the 36-year-old is at the point of evaluating his future on a yearly basis and that another season has been marred by injury, it was reasonable to believe Kershaw would consider retiring.
However, he ruled that out during an appearance on the Fox Sports set and confirmed pitching in 2025 would come with the Dodgers.
“Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, but my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm feels great,” Kershaw said. Obviously I had some tough luck with my foot this year, but I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and then shut it down.
“So I’m going to come back next year, give it a go, and see how it goes.”
What Kershaw is not yet certain of is his Dodgers contract for the 2025 season. He could exercise a player option or decline it to become a free agent and re-sign with the team under different terms.
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