Clayton Kershaw needs just three more strikeouts to join baseball’s most exclusive pitching club, and he’s lined up to reach 3,000 career strikeouts at home.
The Dodgers ace struck out five batters over six innings against Colorado on Thursday, bringing his career total to 2,997 strikeouts. His next start comes Wednesday at Dodger Stadium against the White Sox.
Three more strikeouts will make Kershaw the 20th pitcher in major league history to reach the milestone.
“I knew I had eight to go. Pitched well, got through six. A chance to strike out three at home would be really cool.”
What makes this moment even more special is how Kershaw’s gotten here. The 37-year-old left-hander has turned back the clock this season after managing just seven starts in 2023.
He’s looked like vintage Kershaw lately, posting an ERA just over 2.00 this month with 21 strikeouts in 26-plus innings. That’s the pitcher who won three Cy Young Awards and made 10 All-Star teams.
Kershaw underwent surgery on his left knee and foot over the winter, which delayed his season debut until mid-May. Since then, he’s made eight strong starts with a 3.03 ERA.
The timing couldn’t be better for the home crowd. Justin Verlander (3,468) and Max Scherzer (3,412) are the only other active pitchers in the 3,000-strikeout club.
From 2008-2023, Kershaw made at least 20 starts in all but one season. That consistency over nearly two decades has brought him to this threshold.
Wednesday’s game against Chicago gives Kershaw the perfect setup. The White Sox are struggling offensively, and Dodger Stadium will be electric if he can punch out three batters on his way into history.
