Clayton Kershaw Confronts Reality of Losing Dodgers’ Enforcer Role in Twilight of Career

The Claw’s hold is still deadly, but it is now different. Clayton Kershaw’s current five-game winning streak is his longest since 2022 and only his fourth five-win month since the 2017 season. Seventeen seasons in the Dodgers blue, he’s showing that true excellence isn’t about holding on to old roles; it’s about changing with the game.

When he took the mound on Tuesday (August 26, 2025) against the Cincinnati Reds, it was a great example of how to evolve. Usually, he used to throw 7 or 8 innings, but with injuries and his age, he is throwing mostly five with the same impact. He had a rough start, giving up walks, hits, and a run in the first inning. His speed also seemed to be down. But then it changed, and he retired 14 batters in a row over five innings, giving up only one run, striking out six, and no walks. It gave him his fifth win in a row, which was his best in three years.

After the game, in a conversation with AM 570 LA Sports, when asked about his changing duties, Kershaw’s answer showed that he was extremely aware of himself. “It’s been fun man, it’s been fun to be healthy, fun to get out there and last night was a good one for us. I only made it through five. But bullpen picked me up, offense got a lot of runs for us and another big win. So it was fun.” 

When pressed further about his workload and his pitching getting decreased, Kershaw had a clear answer. “I think my role has changed on this team, and I think I’m okay with that. We got a lot of guys that can throw the ball really well. And a lot of guys that can go deep into the games now. So my job is just to do as best I can go as far as I can.”

His performances in the 2025 season is only adding to an already impressive career that has redefined being a Dodger great. Earlier this season, he achieved his 3,000th strikeout against the White Sox, solidifying his status as a strong candidate for Cooperstown. With a solid 9-2 record and a 3.06 ERA in 2025, he continues to be among the top pitchers in baseball, boasting a remarkable 2.16 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.

The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. Manager Roberts appreciates the maturity Clayton Kershaw has shown. He said, “Just in the last couple of years, he’s been more open to doing different things, and I commend him for that.”

Well, it’s true, and his numbers back it up. This year, Clayton Kershaw has the lowest strikeout percentage of his career (around 16%), but he also has the highest ground-ball rate (about 50%) since 2020 and the fewest home runs per nine innings (0.7) in a 10-start season since 2016. And his role now goes beyond the mound; even Shohei Ohtani seeks his guidance in pitching.

Clayton Kershaw helps Ohtani shine through subtle guidance

Representing for seventeen seasons with the same consistency and showing up in the World Series is no cake walk. And Shohei Ohtani knows the value and takes guidance from one of the best. As the two-way sensation puts it, “it’s easy to learn something from him.”

Even though Ohtani is being careful about pitching again after his Tommy John surgery, he’s clearly making progress. He has a 4.18 ERA over 11 games and is on track to have his best career control and strikeout stats. Kershaw’s effectiveness comes from his patience, mechanics, and the wisdom he brings to the table.

Kershaw has been more than tough since coming back from foot and shoulder surgery in May. He has a 9–2 record and a 3.06 ERA over 17 starts. But the box score doesn’t show how his calm presence and well-organized routine assist in stabilizing a rotation in transition. This has an effect on even the best players, like Ohtani.

Clayton Kershaw is not only holding the staff together with his own performance, but he is also discreetly coaching the team’s younger players by showing them how to be their best version on the field.