Friday marked the 10-year anniversary of Clayton Kershaw making his Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals. At 20 years and 65 days old, he was the fourth-youngest starter in Los Angeles franchise history and the youngest active player in the Majors.
Ranked the organization’s No. 1 prospect at the time, Kershaw allowed two runs on five hits, and recorded seven strikeouts against one walk in seven innings. He didn’t factor into the decision and wouldn’t earn his first win until two months later.
Since his debut, Kershaw has gone on to lay the foundation for what unquestionably will be a Hall-of-Fame career and established himself as arguably this generation’s best pitcher. “There’s obviously a remarkable evolution,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his ace.
“In that same breath, just the consistency he’s had over those 10 years being so dominant. Just to kind of get to know him the last couple years, has been great for me and my growth. He’s such a tremendous human and future Hall of Famer.”
Kershaw thus far has been named to seven All-Star Games, won three National League Cy Young Awards and one MVP. For all he’s accomplished on the field, Kershaw is regarded off of it as well.
“His philanthropic heart and mind has really helped other guys,” Roberts said. “When you see a guy like that take the lead, others follow. When he’s not active, he’s out here on the bench cheering on the guys in the game. That’s how he gets a lot of respect.”
Kershaw remains on the 10-day disabled list because of biceps tendinitis but is nearing a return. Having thrown a bullpen session earlier in the week, he’ll next face batters on Saturday.
Kershaw wasn’t pleased with his command in the bullpen session, and Roberts will look for improvement in the simulated game. “When you’re talking about potentially activating a player, you want that to trend the right way,” Roberts explained.
“Clayton would want that, too. I think that he’s going to use his pitch mix and see the execution and see how the ball’s coming out.”
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