Clayton Kershaw, the celebrated former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, took the mound wearing the Team USA jersey for the first time in his career during a World Baseball Classic (WBC) warmup game on Wednesday. After announcing his retirement following an 18-season major league career, Kershaw embraced the chance to represent the United States in Scottsdale, Arizona, underscoring his ongoing passion for the game.
The United States defeated the Colorado Rockies 14-4 in the exhibition, with Kershaw pitching two-thirds of an inning before the event at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. This appearance marked a unique milestone for the 38-year-old, who had previously thought his professional pitching days were over after the 2023 World Series.
Kershaw’s Warm Reception and First Experience Wearing USA Colors
Coming in as a relief pitcher for Ryan Yarbrough during the bottom of the fourth inning with a close 3-1 score, Kershaw’s debut for Team USA was met with loud cheers from the crowd of 11,803. Rockies fans gave him an enthusiastic ovation, adding emotional weight to the occasion at Scottsdale’s Salt River Fields.
“Just being on this team was a bucket list thing for me from the beginning,”
Kershaw shared with ESPN.com.
“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.”
Although Kershaw allowed two runs—one of which came after giving up a home run to Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak—and walked one batter, United States manager Mark DeRosa used him as a versatile pitcher and eventually replaced him with Carson Skipper. Skipper gave up a home run that enabled Braxton Fulford to score, following a walk Kershaw issued to Fulford.
Despite giving up runs, Kershaw’s final batter faced in organized baseball might have been T.J. Rumfield, who he retired. The pitcher expressed contentment with his performance, acknowledging the challenges after a long career.
“If that was the last time on the mound, it was worth it for sure,”
Kershaw 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.”
Will Smith Powers USA with a Home Run Against the Rockies
Meanwhile, Dodgers fans looking forward to the 2026 season may need to wait for updates on catcher Will Smith, who is currently serving as the United States’ starting catcher in the WBC. Smith made a significant impact in the game against the Rockies by hitting a powerful home run.
Smith launched a 3-1 sinker from RJ Petit over the left-center field wall while leading off the sixth inning. This marked Smith’s second home run of spring training and his first representing Team USA.
The Dodgers star went 1-for-4 in the game before being replaced by pinch hitter Tommy Hopfe in the eighth inning. He is expected to hold the role of primary catcher for the United States throughout the tournament.
Next Steps for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic
After this promising exhibition, Team USA is set to begin Pool B play in the WBC on Friday against Great Britain at Daikin Park in Houston. This game will be the first of four in the pool, and fans will be watching closely as Kershaw and Smith continue their roles representing the nation. With Kershaw’s leadership and Smith’s offensive contributions, the team’s prospects in this international competition appear hopeful and energized.
The significance of Kershaw’s journey—from retiring Dodgers legend to a first-time member of Team USA’s WBC roster—adds a compelling narrative to the tournament. His participation highlights not only his enduring dedication but also the opportunity for experienced players to contribute beyond their major league careers. As the team advances, the presence of seasoned athletes like Kershaw and emerging stars such as Smith will be critical to the United States’ success on the global stage.
