URGENT UPDATE: Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is set to make his final regular-season start today against the Seattle Mariners, but he will not be included on the Dodgers’ roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series. This crucial decision was confirmed by manager Dave Roberts ahead of the game.
Kershaw, who announced his retirement following the conclusion of this season, will pitch “as long as he can” in what is an emotional farewell to his storied career. The 2023 MLB season finale will be held at 1:10 PM PDT today, marking a pivotal moment for fans and the franchise.
Earlier this week, Kershaw made a brief appearance out of the bullpen, tossing a scoreless inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, today’s matchup represents his return to the starting rotation, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
With a career 2.54 ERA, Kershaw holds the record for the lowest ERA of any pitcher in the live-ball era since 1920. He boasts the fifth-highest Wins Above Replacement among left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball history, trailing only legends such as Lefty Grove and Steve Carlton.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” Kershaw expressed on September 18, 2023, when he announced his retirement plans. “I’ve loved every moment spent with the Dodgers.”
As an 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, Kershaw has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers franchise for 18 years. His contributions helped the team secure World Series championships in 2020 and 2024, further solidifying his status as a Dodgers legend.
Fans and teammates alike are rallying behind Kershaw as he embarks on this final chapter. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium is expected to be electric as supporters pay tribute to a player who has defined an era.
As the 2023 MLB playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Kershaw’s performance today. His absence from the Wild Card roster raises questions about the Dodgers’ pitching strategy moving forward. Will they be able to rise to the occasion without their ace, or will this decision haunt them in the postseason?
Stay tuned for live updates and insights as Kershaw takes the mound one last time. His legacy is not just about the statistics but the impact he has had on the game and the countless fans he has inspired along the way.
