August 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka No one wants to say it – or even think it – but perhaps it is time.
In his second start since undergoing glenohumeral ligaments and capsule surgery on his left shoulder on November 3, 2023, 36-year-old Dodgers future first-ballot Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw had what was clearly one of his worst starts since being drafted by the Dodgers in the first round in 2006 out of Highland Park High School in Dallas, TX.
“Yeah, not very good. Yes, not a lot went well at all,” Kershaw answered, when asked about his team’s ugly 8-1 loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Wednesday. “Yeah, just gotta pitch better.”
(SportsNet LA)
The 10-time All-Star, five-time ERA title winner, three-time Cy Young Award winner, former MLB MVP and Player of the Year allowed seven runs on six hits (including a fourth-inning solo home run by Padres catcher Luis Campusano), while walking one and striking out none.
That painfully looming question is, of course, is it time for the other ‘Left arm of God‘ to hang up his spikes?
Again, although no one wants to say – or even think – it, there would be absolutely no shame whatsoever if Kershaw were to retire. In fact, doing so would start the clock on the mandatory five-year waiting period for his inevitable enshrinement into the sacred Halls of Cooperstown. It would also get 22 added to Dodger Stadium’s historic Ring of Honor.
(Ron Cervenka)
Please understand that in no way do I – nor does anyone – have the right to decide if the greatest pitcher of the past two decades should retire. That is entirely a decision that must come fron Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, period.
Play Ball!
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I am not giving up on Kersh just yet. I am anxious to see a couple of more starts. Without the defensive lapses, his last outing would not have been nearly as bad as the final line. Unfortunately, we will never see the vintage Kersh again.
Very good point about the fielding lapses (including an error by the historically excellent fielder Kershaw), but what is very concerning is the poor quality of his pitches (command, movement, and velocity) and hitters barreling balls so frequently. In some ways, Kershaw is going through spring training in the heat of a pennant race — not ideal. The question Kershaw and the Dodgers must answer sooner than later, is the team better or worse with him in the rotation? If Glasnow, Yamamoto, Flaherty, Miller/Buehler, Stone, Ryan, Wrobleski are healthy then Kershaw will likely be a spectator in post season.
I am not holding out much hope for Buehler. Kersh has a lot of improving to do to beat out Stone, Ryan, and Wrobleski in my opinion. But, he isn’t the GOAT for no reason.
Really good point about Buehler. Watching him on Milb tv he looks healthy, but Triple-A hitters are hitting his pitches hard. I think it is a mechanics issue that they will straighten out — more concerning is another trip to the IL for Bobby Miller.
Time will tell, but he looked bad. Velocity way down, and at that velocity you have to have superb location. Don’t forget last yrs dismal playoff performance. Hope it’s not the end but he is close.