Los Angeles Dodgers’ star pitcher Clayton Kershaw, once the most dominant force on the mound, is facing severe challenges this season.
After a delayed start due to a shoulder injury, Kershaw’s initial outings have been rocky. He made his 2024 debut on July 25 against the San Francisco Giants, marking his return after a significant hiatus.
In his first start, Kershaw pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, managing two walks and six strikeouts.
Although the Dodgers won 6-4, Kershaw’s next appearance against the San Diego Padres was less encouraging.
Lasting only 3 ⅔ innings, he surrendered seven runs (three unearned) on six hits, including a home run, without striking out a single batter – ending his record streak of 423 games with at least one strikeout.
Last night, Kershaw pitched better but only lasted 4.2 innings as he allowed five hits and one earned run in the Dodgers eventual 6-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
He was held to 81 pitches, but in fairness that was all part of the plan. Notably, he struck out five batters while walking none.
In other words, there is hope that he could eventually regain his once-dominant form – or at least a resemblance of it.
“Just made some dumb mistakes. A couple guys got on base which shouldn’t happen,” Kershaw said after the game. “Health-wise, I’m fine. It’s just a matter of trying to pitch good … It’s super sad. Definitely a tough night.”
However, there are reportedly concerns within the organization that Kershaw’s career might soon be coming to an end.
“The Dodgers are privately concerned about Clayton Kershaw, who was rocked in his second start against the Padres, lasting just 3 ⅔ innings and for the first time in his career, failed to strike out a batter,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported.
“It ends his record 423-game streak with at least one strikeout, the longest streak since the mound was moved to 60-feet-6 inches in 1893,” Nightengale added.
Kershaw’s velocity dropped below 90 miles per hour, and he only managed two swing-and-misses, a worrying sign for the veteran pitcher.
Given his age and injury history, it might take him longer to regain his rhythm. At 36, it’s unrealistic to expect Kershaw to perform at the peak level he once did.
Kershaw’s stats from 2022 to 2023, including a 25-8 record, 2.37 ERA, and a 177 ERA+, demonstrate that he was still an elite pitcher not long ago.
His struggles this season could be attributed to his recovery process, and there’s hope he can find his groove again.
Kershaw’s commitment to the Dodgers remains strong, having signed a two-year, $10 million deal with a player option for 2025.
While he’s an absolute lock for the Hall of Fame, there are rumblings that Kershaw might not last past this season.
Having said that, he’s been counted out before, so these doubts are nothing new for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
How much do you think Kershaw has left in the tank? … Will he prove to be a true-difference maker for the Dodgers come October???