Full Breakdown
Clayton Kershaw Joins Dodgers Broadcast Booth for Braves Series
8/25/2026, 4:05:26 AM
Core Event: First Color-Analyst Appearance
On Tuesday, August 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. The game will be televised on SportsNet LA, with play-by-play announcer Joe Davis, field reporter Kirsten Watson, and former pitcher Clayton Kershaw serving as the color analyst. The Dodgers announced that Kershaw will fill the spot normally held by Orel Hershiser for this single contest; Hershiser will return for the series’ final two games.
Background & Context
Kershaw retired after the 2025 season, concluding an 18-year career spent entirely with the Dodgers—the longest tenure in franchise history. In March, the organization added him as a special assistant in baseball operations. Earlier in 2026 he appeared as a sideline analyst for NBC’s “Sunday Night Baseball” and worked as a reporter for the Dodgers’ Opening-Day game. The broadcast assignment marks his first official color-analyst role for SportsNet LA.
Data & Statistics
- Career win–loss record: 223-96
- Career earned-run average: 2.53
- Strikeouts: 3,052
- All-Star selections: 11
- Cy Young Awards: 3 (including 2014)
- National League MVP: 2014
- World Series championships: 3
These figures place Kershaw among the most accomplished left-handers in modern baseball.
Official Statements & Responses
The team’s announcement highlighted Kershaw’s “new role” and emphasized that his presence adds “another intriguing element” to the series.
In March, Kershaw explained his outlook on retirement, noting the flexibility it provides and his desire to stay connected to the game. He said he would “watch games” and remain involved with the organization, even if not physically present in Los Angeles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's a freedom with retirement, you know?,” — Clayton Kershaw
- “He’s the best left-hander ever, right?” — Tarik Skubal
- “I think what I admire about all the really good players in this game is that longevity and consistency, year in and year out, of who he was even towards the end of his career,” — Tarik Skubal
Why It Matters
Kershaw’s transition from the mound to the broadcast booth offers fans direct insight from a player who spent his entire career with the Dodgers. His on-field experience, combined with his recent media work, positions him to provide nuanced analysis of pitching strategy and game flow. The assignment also signals the organization’s willingness to integrate former players into its media operations, potentially paving the way for longer-term broadcasting opportunities.
What’s Next
After the Braves series, Kershaw will resume his duties as a special assistant, continuing to evaluate player performance and contribute to baseball-operations discussions. The Dodgers’ schedule indicates that the team will remain in contention for the National League West title, with future broadcast appearances possible if the partnership proves successful.
