When Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw proclaimed that he had fully recovered from his left elbow injury suffered on October 1 of last season, Dodgers fans were a bit skeptical that he would be ready for Opening Day 2022.

That skepticism – and anxiety – increased even more when fans were told that, for only the fifth time in his soon-to-be 15-year career, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer would not be the Dodgers’ Opening Day started. That honor would instead go to 27-year-old future Dodgers ace Walker Buehler.

What a difference a couple of weeks can make.

On Saturday afternoon, in only his fourth start of Spring Training 2022, Kershaw removed all skepticism – and anxiety – when he not only struck out six of the 15 batters he faced in his four innings of work, but needed only 11 pitches to retire the San Francisco Giants in order in the top of the first inning – all of which were strikes.

Make no mistake about it – Clayton Kershaw is ready.

Play Ball!

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