If you thought the Dodgers’ final regular-season game was just another formality, think again. Manager Dave Roberts is shaking things up while Clayton Kershaw toes the mound for what could be the last start of his storied career. In Los Angeles, even farewells come with a twist: strategy meets sentiment, and fans are left wondering whether the veteran lefty will pitch or just inspire from the dugout.

Clayton Kershaw is one of the greatest pitchers of this generation and one of the greatest of all time. So when the postseason hits, you expect him to be on the team and show why he is praised so much. We all knew that he would not be in the starting rotation in the postseason, but after Dave Roberts used him as a reliever against the D-Backs, there was hope of seeing him again. But that is not the case, as Insider David Vassegh posted, “Clayton Kershaw will not be available for Wild Card series after starting today. Kershaw would be available if #Dodgers advance per Dave Roberts.“

Clayton Kershaw’s final regular-season start carries the weight of history and the sting of uncertainty together. Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that we won’t be saying any more Kershaw’s Curveball in the Wild Card series. However, there is still a silver lining to this news, despite it hitting like a truck. The silver lining is that he won’t be available just for the Wild Card series. With this, the fans can cling to hope, knowing another October outing in Dodger blue is still very possible.

Kershaw himself has been candid about his place on this loaded staff featuring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. “We have six amazing starters,” Kershaw admitted, adding, “So, if I want to be a part of it in any way, I’ll do whatever they want.” That humility underscores a willingness to adapt, even if it means leaving behind the identity of a career-long starter. His recent scoreless inning against Arizona reminded everyone he can still deliver value when called upon.

That value matters because the Dodgers’ bullpen has been shaky in recent weeks, surrendering late leads far too often. Even at reduced velocity, Kershaw’s poise could provide needed steadiness in pressure spots where confidence matters as much as stuff. Roberts echoed this belief, telling The Athletic: “I still feel that there’s a role for him, a spot for him.” In a postseason where every out counts, fans can picture Kershaw bridging innings, fighting for one more shot at glory.

For all the postseason planning, the Dodgers know Kershaw’s experience still outweighs any bullpen metrics. Dave Roberts might bench him for strategy, but fans know Kershaw’s presence commands respect and attention. Even in relief, Clayton Kershaw’s aura alone can calm Dodgers teammates and rattle opposing lineups alike. The postseason may be short, but Kershaw’s legacy ensures Los Angeles won’t forget his final season impact. Strategically or sentimentally, the Dodgers are proving that sometimes baseball decisions require brains and just a little heart.

Are we finally seeing the Dodgers’ bullpen come to life?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent much of the year treating their bullpen like a leaky faucet, tightening one knob only to see another start dripping. Then, almost on cue, the arms finally remembered how to dominate, mowing down batters in record fashion. And while Clayton Kershaw’s absence from the Wild Card series might sting, that sudden surge from the relief corps hints the Dodgers may still have plenty of life left.

The Dodgers’ bullpen delivered a masterpiece in Seattle, striking out nine straight batters to end the game. Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Edgar García each carved through hitters, setting a franchise record dating back to 1920. Vesia earned the win with a spotless eighth inning, while García sealed his first save with a 102 mph fastball. “They were flawless tonight,” one broadcaster remarked, capturing the energy pulsing through Dodger Nation after that display.

That sudden dominance arrives at a crucial moment, especially with Clayton Kershaw sidelined for the Wild Card round. For weeks, fans worried about shaky relief outings that spoiled otherwise strong starts, but that fear briefly evaporated. The bullpen’s ability to strike out nine consecutive hitters against a playoff-caliber opponent shows more than raw power. “This gives them momentum,” wrote Clutch Point, suggesting that belief might be just as valuable as the record itself.

The Dodgers know bullpen brilliance cannot be bottled, but Saturday night felt dangerously close. Treinen, Vesia, and García turned T-Mobile Park into their personal showcase, reminding everyone that October is defined by late-inning dominance. Kershaw’s absence may dominate headlines, yet the bullpen has sneakily grabbed the stage for itself. If this version sticks, the Dodgers just discovered the most terrifying plot twist of their postseason script.