After overcoming left forearm/elbow trouble, Clayton Kershaw enjoyed a 15th season with the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, and what’s been of his career thus far is being celebrated by SportsNet LA.
The Dodgers’ exclusive home is premiering a special episode of “Access SportsNet: Dodgers” at 7 p.m. PT on Wednesday night. “Clayton Kershaw: Appreciating the Ace” will then re-air at various times throughout the rest of the week.
Even with two separate stints on the 15-day injured list because of lower back issues, Kershaw went 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA, 2.57 FIP and 0.94 WHIP in 126.1 innings over 22 starts.
Kershaw additionally started the MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career, which fittingly occurred at Dodger Stadium. “It’s a huge honor,” he said of the outing.
“But at the same time, you know the All-Star Game is the best of the best of the first half. Sandy (Alcántara) had an incredible first half, and he deserves it. I’m glad he got to pitch and I’m glad he did a great job.
“We all know that he’s the best pitcher on the planet right now, and it meant a little more to me being here. I was appreciative of [Brian Snitker] and Sandy and everybody that just allowed me to do this.”
The 2022 season also saw Kershaw become the new Dodgers strikeout king as he passed Don Sutton. He finished the season atop the Dodgers all-time strikeouts list with 2,807 to Sutton’s 2,696.
The SportsNet LA special will also take a look back at Kershaw’s MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008, winning three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP, among other accolades.
Is Clayton Kershaw retiring?
Similar to last offseason, Kershaw is on the verge of becoming a free agent. A noticeable difference, of course, is in health. And that has Kershaw expecting to push off retiring for at least one more season.
“Yeah, I think so,” answered Kershaw when asked after the Dodgers were eliminated in the NL Division Series if he intended to continue playing.
“No buts. I think so. We’ll see what happens. Going home and being a full-time dad changes your perspective on things, but as of right now, I would say I’ll play again.”
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