The Dodgers and Yankees are facing off for a big market World Series, but one of the biggest names (Clayton Kershaw) is not available to pitch.
Kershaw has played for the Dodgers since 2008, winning the Cy Young Award three times and even earning National League Most Valuable Player in 2014.
One of the most recognizable names in baseball, he has established Los Angeles as one of the most dominant powerhouses over the past decade. He won the World Series with the organization during the shortened 2020 season but unfortunately, he will not have a chance to help his team this time around.
2020 MLB SEASON: Clayton Kershaw winning a World Series was so easy to root for
Even though it didn’t always go well for Kershaw in the playoffs, his veteran presence will be missed for Los Angeles.
Kershaw, who was an All-Star in each of the previous two seasons before this one, pitched only seven games in 2024. After a shockingly bad appearance in the playoffs last year, he had left shoulder surgery in the offseason.
He has not thrown since August, when he was placed on the injured list with a bone spur in his left big toe. Kershaw was officially ruled out for the whole postseason.
The 36-year-old said that he plans to return next season to make use of his surgery. However, he could become a free agent and may not return to the Dodgers because they have such a crowded starting rotation.
A longtime star, he has record 2,968 strikeouts during his MLB career. He could become one of just 20 pitchers in league history to reach the 3,000 strikeout milestone next season.
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