Los Angeles – Clayton Kershaw, after almost nine months of absence, returned to the mound showing signs of lack of rhythm in his first start of the season.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner pitched four innings on Saturday night with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing five runs and five hits against the Angels. In addition, he conceded three walks and struck out two batters, with 48 of his 83 pitches falling in the strike zone.
Kershaw, who leads the franchise in strikeouts, is only 30 away from reaching 3,000 in his outstanding career.
The 37-year-old lefty made his debut in 2025, after recovering from toe and knee surgeries during the offseason. In the first inning, Kershaw allowed three runs, highlighted by a two-run single by Logan O’Hoppe and an RBI single by Matthew Lugo.
The Dodgers tied the score in the bottom of the first inning, but the Angels scored again in the third, thanks to a home run by Taylor Ward, and in the fourth, with a sacrifice fly by Zach Neto. Kershaw left the game after four innings, trailing 5-4.
On Sunday, Kershaw made his final rehab start with the Triple-A Oklahoma City team, where he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks, as well as recording two strikeouts. He threw 57 pitches in four innings.
In the previous season, Kershaw made seven starts in the Major Leagues, with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA, before his season ended on August 30 due to discomfort in his left big toe. These injuries prevented him from participating in the postseason, where the Dodgers won their eighth World Series championship.
In making his first start on Saturday night, Kershaw began his 18th season with the Dodgers, tying the franchise record also held by Zack Wheat and Bill Russell.
Since his debut with the Dodgers in 2008, Kershaw has a record of 212-94 with an ERA of 2.50 in 432 appearances (429 as a starter).
