This is a picture of Clayton Kershaw in the game.
Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer share a unique history—they were once teammates in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation.
Back in the second half of the 2021 season, Scherzer arrived from the Washington Nationals and posted a stunning 1.98 ERA across 11 starts for the Dodgers. Together, they formed one of the most formidable pitching duos of their generation.
Fast forward four years, and the scenario couldn’t be more different. Both are part of the World Series, but their roles on the roster have diverged sharply.
Scherzer Takes Center Stage
Max Scherzer, nicknamed “Mad Max,” is on the mound as the starting pitcher for Game 3. He continues to command the spotlight, showing the veteran dominance fans expect.
Clayton Kershaw’s Role Has Diminished
Kershaw, once the ace of the Dodgers, now plays a marginal role. Manager Dave Roberts has not found a clear starting role for him, relegating Kershaw to the bullpen. This is a stark contrast for a pitcher who built his career on starting outings.
During the NLDS, Kershaw pitched just 2.0 innings, giving up five runs, including two home runs. He did not appear at all in the NLCS, where the Dodgers’ starters delivered long outings to sweep the Brewers in four games.
Roberts has relied heavily on his rotation, including Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow. Barring an unexpected injury, Kershaw is unlikely to start in the World Series. Only a unique bullpen situation would see him take the mound.
From Teammates to Opponents
It’s a dramatic twist of fate: Kershaw now watches his former Dodgers teammate pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays. While Scherzer enjoys the spotlight, Kershaw’s presence is mostly on the sidelines, a reminder of how quickly roles can change in professional sports.
A Tale of Two Careers
The contrast highlights the evolving nature of baseball careers. Scherzer thrives in high-stakes situations, still a dominant force, while Kershaw adjusts to a supporting role late in his career. Their paths, once intertwined, now diverge in the most public stage of the sport.
Fans and analysts alike are witnessing a compelling narrative: two legendary pitchers, connected by history, now separated by circumstance in the World Series spotlight.
Looking Ahead
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Scherzer’s Game 3 performance. Kershaw remains ready for an emergency appearance, a symbol of loyalty and adaptability. Both players, however, continue to shape baseball history, even if their roles look nothing alike.
