Clayton Kershaw struggles in season debut as Dodgers lose to Angels

In the United States on May 17, 2025, Clayton Kershaw made his long-awaited season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels. This marked his first major league appearance in almost nine months, following a series of injuries and surgeries on his toe and knee. During the game, Kershaw struggled significantly, giving up five runs on five hits over four innings. Despite being a three-time Cy Young Award winner, he appeared out of rhythm and faced challenges from the Angels' hitters, particularly in a taxing first inning. The first inning was particularly disastrous for Kershaw, as he allowed three runs on 38 pitches. This included a two-run single by Logan O'Hoppe and an RBI single from Mathew Lugo. Kershaw’s performance continued to falter, and he ended the game with a total of three walks and two strikeouts, only managing to throw 48 strikes out of 83 pitches. His struggles on the mound left the Dodgers trailing 5-4 by the time he exited after four innings, which was a disappointing outcome for both Kershaw and the team. The game itself was closely contested, with the Dodgers managing to tie the game early in the first inning with a three-run homer from Andy Pages. However, as the game progressed, the Angels regained the lead and ultimately overcame the Dodgers. Kershaw’s performance was a significant factor in the game, as it was a showcase of his recovery journey from multiple injuries that kept him out of action for most of the previous season. This loss for the Dodgers was compounded by the fact that it dealt a blow to Kershaw’s confidence as he attempts to re-establish himself as one of the top pitchers in the league. His performance also highlighted the challenges athletes face when returning from injuries, showcasing that recovery not only involves physical readiness but also mental sharpness. The Angels' victory reflected their growing strength in the series, marking their first series win at Dodger Stadium since June 2012, adding salt to the wounds of a struggling Dodgers team and emphasizing the competitive nature of this season.