What happened to Clayton Kershaw in the 2025 NLDS?

Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, who announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, struggled in a relief appearance against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing 5 runs in 2 innings of work.

How has Kershaw's playoff performance compared to his regular season success?

Kershaw has a career 4.49 ERA in the playoffs, which is significantly higher than his 2.53 ERA in the regular season.

What was the final score of the Dodgers-Phillies game that Kershaw appeared in?

The Phillies routed the Dodgers, scoring 5 runs off Kershaw in the 8th inning to extend their lead to 3 runs.

Home / Sports / Dodgers Legend Kershaw Struggles in Playoff Relief Appearance

Dodgers Legend Kershaw Struggles in Playoff Relief Appearance

9 Oct

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Summary

Kershaw announces retirement at end of 2025 season
Kershaw allows 5 runs in 2 innings of relief vs. Phillies
Kershaw's playoff ERA of 4.49 lags behind his 2.53 regular season ERA

Dodgers Legend Kershaw Struggles in Playoff Relief Appearance

On October 9th, 2025, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw took the mound in relief for the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Kershaw, who had earlier announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025 season, was looking to help the Dodgers secure a crucial playoff win.

However, Kershaw's outing did not go as planned. In his first inning of work, he allowed two baserunners but managed to escape unscathed. But in the second inning, the wheels came off for the veteran lefty. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto led off the frame with a solo home run, extending Philadelphia's lead to 3 runs. Kershaw then walked Max Kepler, and a Max Muncy error put two runners on with no outs. Trea Turner followed with a 2-run single, and Kyle Schwarber capped the 5-run inning with his second home run of the game off Kershaw.

Kershaw's final line was 2 innings pitched, 5 runs allowed on 6 hits and 3 walks, including the 2 home runs. This continues a troubling trend for Kershaw in the postseason, as his career playoff ERA of 4.49 is significantly higher than his 2.53 mark in the regular season.