In Scottsdale, Arizona, Clayton Kershaw made a memorable debut pitching for Team USA on Wednesday, a milestone that could also represent his last appearance for the national squad. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching legend, who retired after the 2025 season, joined the World Baseball Classic roster as an emergency option, prepared to pitch only in lopsided games, which left no certainty he would take the mound during the tournament.
Emotional Return to the Mound During Exhibition Game
Kershaw’s outing came in a warm-up game against the Colorado Rockies, where despite surrendering a home run, a walk, and a wild pitch, his presence excited fans and teammates alike. His home run was hit by Rockies center fielder Mickey Moniak in the fourth inning, yet the crowd applauded Kershaw more enthusiastically than the batter. After being relieved with two outs, he received a standing ovation from the pro-Rockies fans who have long admired his career.
Just being on this team was a bucket list thing for me from the beginning,
Kershaw shared following Team USA’s 14-4 victory.
Obviously, I thought I was never going to throw a baseball again. So to get to do it with Team USA across your chest and come back to that dugout, that team is really special.
Team USA captain Aaron Judge expressed his admiration for Kershaw’s appearance, saying,
I had chills out there for the little standing ovation he got,
and added,
The crowd went crazy for him pitching.
Manager and Teammate Perspectives on Kershaw’s Role
Kershaw acknowledged that stepping back onto the mound would be challenging, but he could not refuse the invitation from Team USA manager Mark DeRosa. DeRosa described Kershaw as a strategic
“break glass in case of emergency”
player, meaning his participation depends on the flow of the games. The team is expected to have comfortable matchups during pool play, with high-scoring performances—including 29 runs scored across two exhibition games—boosting Kershaw’s likelihood of pitching during official tournament play.
I never knew he never got to play in the WBC,
remarked teammate Kyle Schwarber.
I’m so excited for him. To be able to pick his brain — a first-ballot Hall of Famer — you get to hear him talk, that’s awesome.
Kershaw Reflects on the Experience and Future Possibilities
Regardless of whether this turns out to be Kershaw’s final pitch for Team USA, he values being part of the squad. He described his physical condition candidly:
If that was the last time on the mound, it was worth it for sure,
he said.
I felt fine. Arm feels good, body’s fine. I mean, it’s not good anymore, but it’s good enough for me not to embarrass myself.
The significance of Kershaw’s involvement extends beyond statistics, embodying a heartfelt moment for a player often admired for his excellence in Major League Baseball and his contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His participation in the World Baseball Classic symbolizes a final chapter of pride and patriotism in international competition, inspiring teammates and fans during this 2026 tournament.
