Clayton Kershaw (36), the “eternal ace” of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), is back on the operating table.
Kershaw operated on his left knee and left toe at the same time in Los Angeles on the 8th (Korea Standard Time).
“I will finish rehabilitation (during winter) and make good results next season,” he said on social networking service right after the surgery. “Thank you to everyone who prayed and cheered for me. World Series champion!”
Kershaw, who underwent shoulder surgery after the 2023 season, returned in late July and went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven games. 안전놀이터
However, he was put back on the injured list (IL) due to pain in his left big toe in early September and eventually failed to play in the postseason (PS).
Kershaw did not play in the fall baseball, but he accompanied the Dodgers to the end and attended the World Series championship parade.
At the victory parade in Los Angeles, he declared, “I will remain a Dodgers player forever (Dodger for life).”
However, Kershaw rejected the $10 million player option he signed with the Dodgers on the 5th, ahead of surgery, and declared a free agent (FA), drawing keen attention.
Some observers say that Kershaw’s declaration of FA is an expedient to give room to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
The Dodgers are expected to sign Kershaw to a multi-year contract while protecting one more player.
Kershaw, who has played for 17 seasons in the Dodgers alone since his Major League debut in 2008, has a career-high 212-94 record with a 2.50 ERA.
Kershaw, who has 2,968 strikeouts, will challenge the long-awaited 3,000 strikeouts when he returns next season.
In addition, Kershaw, a 10-time All-Star, three Cy Young Awards and one league MVP, is certain to enter the Hall of Fame after retirement.
