UPDATE: In a significant turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is set to make his final regular-season start against the Seattle Mariners today, but he will not be included in the roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series, as confirmed by manager Dave Roberts.
Kershaw, who is aiming to finish his illustrious career on a high note, will pitch “as long as he can” during today’s game, with no restrictions on his innings. This marks a pivotal moment for the three-time Cy Young Award winner, who announced on September 18 that he would retire at the end of the season after an 18-year career exclusively with the Dodgers.
Earlier this week, Kershaw made a notable return to the mound, delivering a scoreless inning in his first relief appearance of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now, he stands ready to take the mound one last time, underscoring his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
The 11-time All-Star is tied with legends Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons played with the Dodgers. He has led the team to two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024, boasting a remarkable career 2.54 ERA that ranks as the lowest among pitchers in the live-ball era since 1920.
Kershaw’s impact on the game is further highlighted by his impressive standing in Wins Above Replacement, trailing only Hall of Famers like Lefty Grove and Warren Spahn. His winning percentage is unparalleled among pitchers with at least 200 victories since 1900, making today’s game a bittersweet farewell for fans and teammates alike.
As Kershaw prepares for this emotional send-off, all eyes are on the Dodgers as they gear up for the playoffs without their ace. Fans and sports analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this final chapter unfolds.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Kershaw’s performance and the Dodgers’ postseason journey.
