Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers got good news on Thursday night when it was revealed that left-hander Clayton Kershaw would be returning to the team on a one-year contract.
The financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
Kershaw was limited to 22 starts due to various back injuries, but when healthy, the left-hander went 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA.
With Kershaw returning, the Dodgers’ starting rotation now features him, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Julio Urias.
Left-hander Tyler Anderson is a free agent.
But ace Walker Buehler, who will be out until 2024, seems to be excited about Kershaw’s return.
The right-hander posted a tweet to express his excitement that read, “Big boy back.”
Big boy back https://t.co/D1O8UjPESP
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) November 11, 2022
Buehler Hypes Up Kershaw’s Return
Buehler is of course out for all of 2023 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
So, having Kershaw back helps the rotation out quite a bit.
Kershaw still put together a solid 2022 season, despite his numerous back issues.
If healthy, Kershaw could still help anchor the rotation.
At the very least, Kershaw is a veteran presence that younger pitchers can lean on.
Buehler, having been his protege for several years, seems ecstatic to have the veteran left-hander back for at least one more season.
Kershaw started Game 2 of the NLDS for the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres.
He brings back plenty of big game experience with years of dominance under his belt.
Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards as a member of the Dodgers and even won an NL MVP Award in 2014.
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