Full Breakdown
Clayton Kershaw's Final Regular Season Start and Wild Card Series Exclusion
9/29/2025, 1:11:09 AM
Kershaw's Last Regular Season Appearance
On September 28, 2025, Clayton Kershaw made his final regular-season start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Seattle Mariners. The 37-year-old left-hander pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing no runs on four hits and striking out seven batters, leading the Dodgers to a 6-1 victory. This performance capped off an illustrious career, during which Kershaw became an 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, finishing the season with a 222-96 record and a career ERA of 2.53, the lowest for any pitcher in the live-ball era since 1920.
Exclusion from the Wild Card Roster
Despite his strong performance in the season finale, Kershaw will not be included on the Dodgers' roster for the upcoming National League Wild Card Series, which begins on September 30, 2025. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this decision, stating that Kershaw's start on Sunday precludes him from pitching in the Wild Card series due to rest requirements. The Dodgers will instead rely on pitchers such as Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the series against either the Cincinnati Reds or New York Mets.
Potential Future Role in the Postseason
While Kershaw will not participate in the Wild Card Series, there remains a possibility for his inclusion in the roster for the National League Division Series if the Dodgers advance. Roberts indicated that Kershaw could be utilized in a relief role, especially given the team's pitching depth and Kershaw's recent experience in the bullpen, where he made a scoreless relief appearance against the Arizona Diamondbacks just days prior.
Criticism and Support for the Decision
The decision to leave Kershaw off the Wild Card roster has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts argue that Kershaw's experience and historical performance in high-pressure situations warrant a spot on the playoff roster, even if it means pitching out of the bullpen. Others contend that the Dodgers have a stronger rotation available and that Kershaw's recent injury history makes this decision prudent.
Official Statements and Responses
Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of trust in players during the postseason, stating, "The bottom line is I trust him... the postseason is about players you trust." Kershaw himself expressed understanding of the decision, saying, "Whatever decision they make... they’re going to make the best decision for the team."
Conclusion
As Kershaw prepares for what may be his final postseason, the Dodgers face a critical moment in their quest to repeat as champions. While he will not be on the Wild Card roster, the possibility of his return in later rounds keeps the door open for one last chapter in his storied career. The Dodgers' performance in the Wild Card Series will ultimately determine if Kershaw can take the mound again in October.
