Clayton Kershaw’s journey this season seems over sadly. After undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason, he finally made his much-anticipated debut on July 25. Fans were eager to see him back on the mound, but then, on August 30, disaster struck again—he had to exit his start in just the second inning. Turns out, he was dealing with a bone spur in his left big toe. Ouch!

Regardless of how far the Los Angeles Dodgers advance in the postseason, Clayton Kershaw, who has spent the last five weeks recovering from an injured toe, will not be taking the mound. It’s tough news for fans and the team, especially considering Kershaw’s immense contributions over the years. He’s always been a fierce competitor, so it’s disappointing to see him sidelined when the stakes are so high.  

Clayton Kershaw comments on his rehab fail

Kershaw didn’t let the setback stop him from throwing, and he even had his spikes changed to lessen the agony in his sore toe. How about tenacity? It wasn’t all plain sailing, either. The 38-year-old reached a roadblock in his throwing development last week because he was compensating for his toe pain with other problems in his physique.

“It was getting pretty mentally exhausting to continue to try to pitch,” Clayton said, according to ESPN. “It just kept hurting, so I got another MRI. I made it worse, so there’s no point at this point to keep going.” This has forced the Dodgers to shake things up for their NLDS showdown against the rival Padres.  

Rolling with Walker Buehler, Landon Knack, Jack Flaherty, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the starting lineup. Yamamoto is set to take the mound for Game 1, followed by Flaherty in Game 2. It’s an exciting mix, and fans are eager to see how this new rotation performs in such a crucial matchup! Clayton Kershaw will have to make another difficult choice at the end of the Dodgers season: should he retire or prepare for another campaign, particularly if he requires surgery on his problematic left big toe? A $5 million player option is part of his contract, and the pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers could receive up to $20 million in performance bonuses. You can’t help but wonder if #22 Kershaw still has that competitive fire driving him to keep playing.  

The Dodgers secured a win in game 1 

The Dodgers have endured some brutal heartbreak over the last two Octobers—dominating the regular season, only to falter in the NLDS against division rivals they had outclassed all year. This time, they’re marching into the postseason with a renewed fire, seeking that extra edge to finally overcome a healthier, more balanced Padres team. It’s no longer just about talent; it’s about resilience and seizing the moment.

In Game 1, that determination shined through, thanks to a collective effort from a mix of Dodgers players stepping up when it mattered most. It was exactly the kind of start they needed to set the tone and build momentum in this pivotal series. Hours before the first pitch, Freddie Freeman was already putting in the work—moving through defensive drills and sprinting through baserunning practice. Then, it was off to the batting cages for reps against the Dodgers’ high-velocity pitching machines. Freeman’s relentless preparation was a glimpse into just how badly the Dodgers want to rewrite their postseason story.

And then there was Shohei Ohtani—the player everyone was watching, the two-way sensation making his much-anticipated postseason debut. Ohtani did not disappoint. He may have had only one hit, but it was the kind of hit that changes a game and ignites a crowd. With one powerful swing, Ohtani launched a two-out, game-tying three-run home run in the second inning, sending his bat—and the stadium—soaring. The crowd erupted as Ohtani jogged up the first-base line, his swagger on full display. It was a moment that will be remembered—pure Sho-time, showcasing his power, his style, and his knack for delivering in the biggest moments.

This wasn’t just any game—it was a statement. The Dodgers came out ready, and their stars delivered. If this Game 1 performance is any indication, the Padres are in for a fight, and the Dodgers are ready to erase the pain of past Octobers with every pitch and every swing.