Dodgers clinch Playoff Berth as Clayton Kershaw Receives Standing Ovation in Probable Final Dodger Stadium Start
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles dodgers clinched a postseason berth Friday night, securing thier spot as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks. The festivity was interwoven with an emotional farewell to Clayton Kershaw, who received a standing ovation after exiting his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-3, extending their lead in the NL West to four games with eight games remaining.
Kershaw pitched four innings, allowing three runs, before departing to a thunderous applause from the home crowd. Freddie freeman followed Kershaw’s exit with a three-run home run in the fifth inning, providing the Dodgers with a lead they would not relinquish.
The left-handed ace finished his Dodger Stadium career with a remarkable 2.26 ERA in 228 starts. His final regular-season start is currently scheduled to be on the road against the Seattle Mariners next Friday, as the Dodgers are utilizing a six-man rotation.
While Kershaw’s performance and legacy are secure, his role in the upcoming postseason remains uncertain. Manager Dave roberts indicated the Dodgers believe they will have a roster spot for him, but a crowded and effective rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and likely Shohei Ohtani presents a challenge for Kershaw to secure a starting role. Emmet Sheehan is expected to fill a long-relief role, leaving Kershaw’s potential contribution unclear.
“On most teams,a pitcher with Kershaw’s numbers would be a safe bet for the playoff rotation,” the article noted,”Unfortunately for these purposes,he plays for the Dodgers.”
