Clayton Kershaw excluded from Dodgers' Wild Card roster amid retirement plans
- Clayton Kershaw, a long-time Dodgers pitcher, will not participate in the Wild Card Series against the Reds.
- He recently expressed that he will retire at the end of the season after an illustrious 18-year career.
- The Dodgers are gearing up for their first playoff series since Kershaw's retirement announcement.
In the United States, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made the definitive decision to leave veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw off their roster for the upcoming Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds, as confirmed by the team on September 29, 2025, the same day Kershaw is scheduled to start in the regular season finale against the Seattle Mariners. This decision comes after Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star and celebrated pitcher with the Dodgers for 18 years, announced his intention to retire at the end of the current season. Kershaw has had a remarkable career and concludes the regular season with an impressive 2.54 ERA, the lowest among pitchers in the live-ball era since 1920. His track record highlights that he has achieved historical ranks among left-handed pitchers, boasting the fifth-highest Wins Above Replacement in Major League history. He has contributed significantly to the Dodgers' success in the past, including winning World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. The current situation showcases Kershaw's pivotal role in the team and his impact on pitching over nearly two decades. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox face their own struggles, as Lucas Giolito will not be part of their Wild Card roster due to an elbow issue he is currently addressing. Manager Alex Cora has indicated that Giolito is undergoing treatment and may not fully participate in the series against the New York Yankees, as the team grapples with pitcher availability ahead of their matchup, which adds an extra layer of tension to the playoff atmosphere. The prognosis for Giolito remains uncertain while the Red Sox attempt to solidify their pitching strategy. As the Dodgers prepare for their playoff bout with the Reds, the news surrounding Kershaw's absence emphasizes the player's intertwined legacy with the franchise and the layered emotions of a potential farewell in this playoff season, while the Red Sox navigate their own pitching complications, adding complexity to both teams' postseason aspirations.