Clayton Kershaw put off retirement by re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract during the offseason.
The left-hander did not make his 2025 debut until May due to recovering from left knee and foot surgeries. Kershaw is now in the midst of his 18th season with the team, which tied Bill Russell and Zack Wheat for the Dodgers franchise record.
Kershaw additionally is easily the longest-tenured player on the roster, having been with the Dodgers since his MLB debut on May 25, 2008. He has set numerous records along the way and now is closing in on two more.
Kershaw is 18 wins away from tying Don Sutton for the most wins in Dodgers franchise history. That will likely have to wait until next season, as a best-case scenario, assuming the 37-year-old decides to extend his career.
Kershaw is also eight strikeouts away from becoming the 20th player in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. He recently passed former Dodgers teammate Zack Greinke on the all-time list and had some fun at his expense.
“I think it’s top of mind, and I think that’s a good thing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Kershaw closing in on 3,000 strikeouts.
“That’s a credit to him and his career, what he’s done. … I think we’re going to start to feel that anticipation build. It’s going to be exciting for everyone.”
When is Clayton Kershaw getting to 3,000 strikeouts?
Kershaw is scheduled to make his next start on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies on the road.
Coors Field has been one of the few ballparks to give Kershaw trouble over the years, but the same can be said for most pitchers who take the mound at the hitter-friendly ballpark. In 27 career starts at Coors Field, Kershaw owns a 12-8 record with a 4.64 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.
Kershaw nevertheless has been successful against the Rockies, going 27-11 with a 3.30 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 50 games.
Kershaw recorded a season-high seven strikeouts in his outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 8. If he doesn’t notch at least eight on Thursday, Kershaw will look to reach 3,000 career strikeouts when he takes the mound next week against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
