Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Clayton Kershaw Returns for One-Off Team USA Duty at World Baseball Classic

He says a yearslong velocity drop with arduous rehabs led to retirement.

Overview

  • Kershaw joined Team USA’s first workout in Arizona and said he will be ready if called upon during the tournament.
  • Manager Mark DeRosa cast Kershaw as a break-glass option behind a rotation featuring Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan and Logan Webb.
  • Kershaw emphasized he will not pursue an MLB comeback, describing the WBC appearance as a one-off and noting his arm feels in a good spot.
  • He detailed offseason bullpen speeds in the low 80s and a 2025 fastball average near 89 mph as factors in stepping away.
  • The three-time Cy Young winner retired after the Dodgers’ 2025 title and plans to attend the March 27 championship ring ceremony at Dodger Stadium.