In 2025, the defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers (27-14) are once again playing high-quality baseball. However, if there’s been a gripe with this team in sunny Southern California, it has to be centered around the many injuries to its pitching staff.
The Dodgers used the recent offseason to solidify their starting rotation, but shoulder issues with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have prevented Los Angeles from coming to full form. Additionally, LA’s longest-tenured player — Clayton Kershaw (toe) — has yet to toss a single MLB inning this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up.Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Fortunately for supporters of the “Boys in Blue,” Kershaw used Mother’s Day to produce another solid outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City. “Twos” were wild for the veteran southpaw on Sunday, as he allowed two runs on two hits, posting two strikeouts and two walks over four innings of action.
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What gave particular optimism in Kershaw’s most recent start was his ability to field his position. Never mind his age of 37—he made an incredibly athletic play in the third inning, fielding a batted ball to his right before turning and firing a strike to first base to retire the hitter. That certainly bodes well for a pitcher rehabbing a toe injury.
Kershaw has managed to string together a few successful starts in-a-row at this point, giving him five total minor-league appearances this season. Considering his momentum in unison with his intended activation date of May 18, it is increasingly likely we see his 2025 MLB debut at Dodger Stadium next Sunday versus the Los Angeles Angels.
A staple of SoCal, the “Freeway Series” seems as fitting a time as any for Kershaw to return. Throughout his 17-year career, Kershaw has made 16 prior starts against the Halos, posting a dominant 10-2 record with a stingy 1.99 ERA.
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Simply, Kershaw up-and-throwing is something that puts fear into the heart of the Dodgers’ regional rivals.
Related: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Sends Clear Message After Roki Sasaki’s Concerning Start
In 2024, Kershaw threw only 30 innings before his physical ailments put him on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Per FanGraphs, he showcased a 4.51 skill-interactive ERA last year, which was the worst mark of his entire MLB tenure.
The Dodgers are idle on Monday before hosting the Athletics on Tuesday night. Projected starters for the series opener are Jeffrey Springs and Landon Knack, while first pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.