Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Clayton Kershaw will not be on the roster for the Wild Card Series, as he will start the final game of the regular season on Sunday. This leaves him out of rhythm to pitch in the three-game series that begins just days later. “Ultimately, I don’t have the final say; it’s like a collection of conversations,” Roberts explained, making it clear that the decision was consensual within the coaching staff.
Kershaw, who announced his retirement at the end of the season, will thus face his last chance for redemption in October, where he has historically had ups and downs. Roberts confirmed that if the Dodgers overcome the Mets or Reds, the left-hander would be available for the National League Division Series, although his role is not yet defined: “I still think there’s a role for him, a place for him,” said the manager.
Will Kershaw be a reliever in the 2025 MLB postseason?
The veteran left-hander has begun to show versatility at the end of the season. In the recent game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kershaw appeared as a reliever for the first time since 2019, pitching a scoreless inning in a critical moment. This could be a clear hint of what is to come, a role from the bullpen in the postseason.
Although he has only relieved four times in the regular season throughout the year, his experience gives him value as an emergency weapon. With a 3.52 ERA in 22 appearances, Roberts and his coaching staff do not rule out using him as a wild card in a bullpen that has shown inconsistencies. “The experience and any role he is willing to take on is a positive,” reiterated Roberts.
Kershaw faces his great October debt
Despite his multiple awards and World Series rings, the postseason has been Clayton Kershaw’s Achilles’ heel. His October numbers do not reflect his regular season greatness, and with his retirement confirmed for the end of 2025, the veteran has his sights set on closing out his career in style
The Dodgers, who rested several of their key players in the final series against Seattle, will look to advance to the next round with an eye on having Kershaw ready to make an impact, even if it is in a non-traditional role. His leadership and experience will be key factors for a team looking to return to the Fall Classic.
Read the full article here
