Clayton Kershaw is almost back, and the world of Major League Baseball is holding its breath—not just because the Dodgers need him, but because this moment feels like something more. It’s not just the return of a pitcher; it’s the return of a legacy, inching ever closer to its twilight with each stride back to the mound.
After rehab tune-ups across Oklahoma City, Springdale, and Glendale, Kershaw is now poised to make his long-awaited 2025 debut at Dodger Stadium, likely next Sunday against the Angels. And what a homecoming that would be.
The Road Back: Rehab, Recovery, and One More Push
Kershaw’s most recent rehab outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City was a strategic step, not a setback. Four innings, 57 pitches (35 for strikes), two earned runs, and two punchouts—solid numbers for a veteran shaking off rust after surgeries on both his left knee and toe. This wasn’t about domination; it was about feeling right. And by all accounts, that’s happening—albeit slowly.
Throughout Spring Training and rehab, Kershaw has been upfront: the bigger issue is the toe, not the arm. The push-off toe drives force through the delivery, and it’s taken time to regain strength and flexibility.
But according to manager Dave Roberts, the progress is real, and there’s growing optimism that Kershaw will be ready for a big-league return just as the Dodgers wrap up their latest road trip.
More Than a Start—A Milestone
If Kershaw takes the hill next Sunday, it will mark his 18th season with the Dodgers, tying him with franchise legends Zack Wheat and Bill Russell. Only Russell has played 18 seasons in Los Angeles—a club that Kershaw will join as a true Dodger-for-life. In an age where franchise icons jumping ship is almost expected, Kershaw staying rooted is a story in itself.
And make no mistake, he’s not just sticking around to wear the uniform. This man has 212 wins, a career ERA of 2.50, a staggering 156 ERA+ (best in history for pitchers with 2,000+ innings), and sits just 32 strikeouts shy of 3,000. Add three Cy Youngs, an MVP, and 10 All-Star selections, and you’ve got a first-ballot Hall of Famer still writing the final chapters of his story.
The Dodgers Need Him—Now More Than Ever
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. While the Dodgers just wrapped a solid 6-4 road swing through Atlanta, Miami, and Arizona—capped by an 8-1 blowout of the D-backs—they’re banged up.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are both sidelined with shoulder inflammation, and neither is expected back immediately. That rotation depth the Dodgers were banking on? It’s suddenly looking thinner, and a healthy Kershaw could be a stabilizing force, both statistically and spiritually.
Walking on His Own Terms
Kershaw said it best in Spring Training: “I hope this is the last time I have to rehab. I’m kind of done with that. But at the same time, I don’t want that to be the reason that I stop playing.” That sentiment hits deep. He’s not chasing a paycheck. He’s chasing closure, on his own terms. And this next outing might be the first step toward getting it.
If everything goes as planned, fans at Chavez Ravine are in for something special next weekend. It’s not just another game, but a tribute to longevity, resilience, and a pitcher who’s made excellence feel routine for nearly two decades. Kershaw’s back, and baseball is better for it.
