Dodgers Legendary Left Shooter Kershaw Meets Fifth Game Goal Plans to Make His 2025 Season Debut Next Week

Los Angeles Dodgers legend left-handed Clayton Kershaw missed two points (2 hits, 2 drives) in four games (2 hits, 2 drives) in the 4th rehab start for Oklahoma City in 3A on Sunday, USA time, and completed the expected final rehab test with 57 balls (35 good balls). The left-handed shooter is eligible to be activated from the 60-day injury roster this weekend and is expected to make his season debut for next Sunday's game against the Angels at Dodger Stadium based on his rotation with the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, in Phoenix, the Dodgers ended a four-game winning streak with an 8-1 win over the Rattlesnakes, capping off a three-city road trip. Los Angeles have six wins and four defeats in this 10-game road campaign against the Warriors, Marlins and Rattlesnakes.

When Kershaw makes his debut in the 18th major league season, he will tie Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons in Dodgers' history. After moving to Los Angeles in 1958, only Russell and Kershaw played for the Dodgers for 18 seasons.

It's rare for a legend like Kershaw to play for a single team throughout his career. The 37-year-old left pitcher holds three Cy Young Awards and an MVP award, is a 10-time All-Star, has a career ERA of 2.50, and has ERA+156, the most 2000+ pitcher in MLB history.

With 212 wins, he is just 32 short of 3,000 strikeouts, which would make him a natural choice for Hall of Fame votes.

Kershaw was reimbursed in August for a pain in his big left toe after only seven Dodgers starts last year, and was only able to watch the team win its eighth championship on the sidelines, which became one of the motivations for his return for the 2025 season. "Hopefully this is the last rehab and I've had enough," Kershaw said during spring training, "but I don't want to retire because of that...... I want to leave at a time of my own choosing, and now is not the time. "

During his rehabilitation, Kershaw stressed that despite the good condition of his arm, the recovery of the surgically repaired toe was slightly slower, which affected the final kick of the pitch. Coach Dave Roberts has been receiving, and his toe condition continues to improve with each board.

Kershaw's expected return comes at a time when the Dodgers are full of injuries: Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are on the 15-day injury list with a pitching shoulder condition, and it will be time before they can return. Kershaw has undergone rehab adjustments in Oklahoma City, Springdale, Arkansas, and Glendale, Arizona, since undergoing surgery on his left knee and toe in the offseason.