Clayton Kershaw’s Surprise Comeback Update Has Dodgers Fans Buzzing—Key Details Revealed

Los Angeles — Clayton Kershaw’s name is once again lighting up the midsummer stage. The Dodgers’ left-hander has been chosen by Commissioner Rob Manfred as the National League’s “legend pick” for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, rewarding a Hall-of-Fame résumé and a comeback season that has galvanized both teammates and fans. A Vintage Star Returns Kershaw, 37, missed the season’s first six weeks while finishing rehab on offseason toe and knee surgeries. Since rejoining the rotation on May 23 he has gone 4-1 with a 2.68 ERA across 10 starts, holding opponents to a .216 average and re-establishing his signature fastball-slider-curveball mix. His 10.5 K/9 rate is his highest since 2021, a sign that the extra rest may have added late-career life to his arm. Why the “Legend Pick” Matters • The special roster slot, introduced in 2022, allows MLB to honor generational icons who may not win fan or player balloting. • For Kershaw, it ensures an eighth All-Star appearance in the state where he starred at Highland Park High School, just 20 miles from Globe Life Field. • It positions the Dodgers ace alongside Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, the American League legend pick for 2025, creating must-see storylines on both sides. Retirement Talk Grows Louder Even as he prepares for the Midsummer Classic, Kershaw has acknowledged that 2025 could be his final season. Speaking to reporters over the weekend, he called retirement “a very real possibility” and said he plans to make a definitive decision shortly after the Dodgers’ campaign ends. Manager Dave Roberts has already stated that if the Dodgers clinch a playoff berth early, Kershaw’s workload will be managed carefully to keep his left arm fresh for October. Dodgers’ Rotation Ripple Effects With Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Bobby Miller anchoring the front end, Kershaw’s steady return has enabled Los Angeles to move hard-throwing rookie River Ryan to the bullpen, where his 100-mph fastball can shorten postseason games. The club’s 3.34 team ERA since June 1 ranks second in the National League, a surge credited in no small part to Kershaw’s presence every fifth day. What to Watch After the All-Star Break • Velocity Trends: Kershaw’s four-seamer has averaged 92.4 mph since returning; anything above 92 often correlates with dominant outings. • Health Check: The Dodgers plan to cap him near 155 regular-season innings. Any flare-up in the toe or knee could force an IL stint. • Retirement Countdown: Expect weekly speculation if Los Angeles locks up the NL West early. A farewell tour could mirror Albert Pujols’ in 2022. • Free-Agent Impact: Should he postpone retirement, Kershaw would enter free agency this winter. The Dodgers, Rangers and a few stealth contenders could be in play. Bottom Line Clayton Kershaw’s All-Star selection is more than a nostalgia nod; it is confirmation that one of baseball’s greatest pitchers can still dominate on the mound. Whether this is his final ride or a prelude to another October masterpiece, every start down the stretch promises appointment viewing for Dodgers fans and baseball purists alike.