Dodgers News: MLB Writer Predicts Clayton Kershaw Reaches Historic Milestone This Year
Even though this season hasn't been one of the best for the Dodgers as a whole, Clayton Kershaw has had another great year before getting injured right before the All-Star break. Kershaw reached his 200th win this year, and one writer from the Athletic thinks that he might not be done adding to his historic legacy:
Bold prediction: Clayton Kershaw will get to 3,000 strikeouts this season
Getting to 3,000 this year was a long shot from the start since Kershaw needed 193 strikeouts — more than he’s had in any season since 2017. It’s even more of a stretch now that Kershaw is dealing with left shoulder inflammation. But I say he still gets there. At his current pace, Kershaw will need 80 more innings (about 13 starts) to get the 88 strikeouts he needs to reach 3,000. That’s doable even if Kershaw misses a start or two managing the shoulder issue. He’ll get the 3,000th strikeout in his last start of the season, at Coors Field in late September.
- via the Athletic
Only 19 pitchers in MLB history have struck out 3,000 or more batters with former Dodger Max Scherzer being the latest to join the list.
It might be tough for Kershaw to get to the mark after having to go on the IL with left shoulder inflammation, but if what we've seen in the first half of the season is any sign of what's to come, I'd also put my money on Kershaw getting there.
The legacy of Clayton Kershaw will one day lead him to Cooperstown, and when he gets there his No. 22 will find its way into the rafters of Dodger Stadium. But until then, we can just sit back and enjoy watching greatness every fifth day.
