Clayton Kershaw is with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Tokyo Series but he was among the pitchers put on the 15-day injured list as the team set their Opening Day roster.
It was an expected outcome for Kershaw as he continues to recover from left toe and left foot surgeries that took place during the offseason. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery on Kershaw’s knee, and Dr. Kenneth Jung operated on his foot.
Despite facing another delayed start to the season, Kershaw continued to put off retirement. He re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract that includes incentives.
Kershaw is back for an 18th season with the Dodgers since being drafted in 2006. Kershaw declined a $5 million player option for 2025 to become a free agent for the fourth consecutive offseason, but made it clear he would ultimately re-sign with the Dodgers.
“I always thought we’ll just see what happens, and every year it just so happens that this is the best place for me. Now thinking about it, there’s no other place I’m going to play,” Kershaw said during the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium.
“I don’t know how much longer I’ve got, but I don’t see myself ever wearing another uniform. I probably shouldn’t say that. There’s not a lot of leverage with that, but at the same time, I don’t care anymore. I’m a Dodger, and that means the world to me.”
Kershaw went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in just seven starts last year.
Although Kershaw has been encouraged by his recovery process, he didn’t throw a bullpen session in Spring Training until earlier this month.
Clayton Kershaw contract details
Kershaw’s Dodgers contract includes incentives that can increase the total value to $16 million. Performance bonuses are $1 million each for 13, 14, 15, 16 games started; $2.5 million for 30 days on the active roster, $1 million for 60 days, and additional $1 million if he reaches 90 days.
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