"The team will need to construct its best possible 26-man roster to survive the first two rounds of the playoffs, which are best-of-three and best-of-five, respectively. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani have to be the top rotation candidates for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, which doesn't leave room for Kershaw to contribute as a starting pitcher in the first two rounds at least."
"But Roberts envisions a spot for Kershaw on the Dodgers' postseason roster, even if a specific role isn't yet clear. "I just think for me, and ultimately, I don't have the final say, it's kind of a collection of conversations, but I just think that the person, the experience and whatever role that he's willing to take on is a positive," Roberts said. "I don't know what role, but I do agree, I still feel that there's a role for him, a spot for him.""
"Being an active contributor while the Dodgers chase another World Series motivated Kershaw to continue his career into 2025. Despite winning his second ring last year, Kershaw was left dissatisfied after missing the Dodgers' entire postseason run due to injury. Having a sense he was still capable of contributing and not wanting injuries to dictate the timing of retirement were additional reasons why Kershaw returned this year."
Clayton Kershaw announced plans to retire after the 2025 season and seeks an active contribution in his final year. The Dodgers must build a 26-man postseason roster to navigate a Wild Card Series and subsequent division series. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani project as the top starters, which likely precludes Kershaw from starting in the first two rounds. Manager Dave Roberts envisions a roster spot for Kershaw and values his experience, though a specific role remains undecided. Kershaw was motivated to return after missing last postseason with injury and wanting to influence the team's championship pursuit.
Read at Dodger Blue
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