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Photo: Instagram/Rob Manfred Rob Manfred, the MLB Commissioner, remains unfazed by the recent early exits of powerhouse teams like the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers from the playoffs, despite their impressive regular-season records exceeding 200 wins combined. He emphasized that it's only been two years since the introduction of the 12-team postseason format in 2022. This new format grants top seeds a first-round bye, resulting in a five-day gap between the regular season's conclusion and the start of the playoffs for teams such as the NL's second-seeded Dodgers and the AL's top-seeded Orioles. Manfred made it clear that any alterations to this format would require collective bargaining, with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) set to expire on December 1, 2026. The Dodgers have experienced back-to-back postseason eliminations following the first-round bye, with a 3-1 NLDS loss to the San Diego Padres in 2022 and a recent sweep by the Arizo...

Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw The Dodgers entered this pivotal offseason with several uncertainties, knowing they had to make crucial decisions. After a somewhat conservative approach to free agency last year and increased playing time for young talents in 2023, the team had gained insights into its needs. However, their offseason discussions commenced earlier than expected, following a disappointing sweep by the D-backs in the National League Division Series, concluding with a 4-2 loss in Game 3 at Chase Field. This abrupt exit raised questions about the Dodgers' approach this offseason. One pressing issue is the future of Clayton Kershaw , who has been taking his career year by year. Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw Kershaw's performance suffered this season due to a nagging left shoulder injury, raising uncertainty about his return in 2024. Whether he continues his career in Los Angeles or elsewhere remains to be seen. The starting rotation emerged as a major concern, as ...

Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw Clayton Kershaw , a stalwart of the Dodgers for over a decade, had been their reliable ace throughout his illustrious career. However, in Game 1 of the NLDS against the D-backs, he endured a nightmarish outing that left fans and teammates stunned. The left-hander's performance was a far cry from his usual excellence, as he surrendered six runs and couldn't even record a single out, a historic low for postseason pitchers. Kershaw's disappointment and embarrassment were palpable as he acknowledged letting down not just his team but the entire organization. Despite earlier reports of improved health, it was evident from the outset that Kershaw lacked his typical pitching prowess. Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw His signature slider lacked depth, the curveball was flat, and his four-seam fastball lacked velocity. This combination proved disastrous as the D-backs capitalized on his mistakes. Ketel Marte started the onslaught with a liner that el...

Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw Clayton Kershaw , now in his 32nd postseason start, reflects on his remarkable journey in the playoffs. This seasoned veteran, who made his postseason debut as a 20-year-old rookie back in 2008, has seen his career evolve significantly over the years. At 35, he acknowledges that he's no longer the same dominant pitcher he once was, mainly due to age and a history of injuries, including a lingering left shoulder issue. Despite these challenges, Kershaw has adapted his approach to maintain his effectiveness. Mentally, Kershaw has undergone a transformation as well. In the past, he grappled with a fear of failure, but now he embraces the excitement and positive energy that come with pitching in the playoffs. Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw His nerves stem from the privilege of participating in these high-stakes moments. Kershaw's postseason track record has been a mix of highs and lows. While he boasts the best regular-season ERA among pitchers wi...

Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw Clayton Kershaw 's triumphant return to the LA rotation didn't disappoint, leaving Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts convinced that the team's performance just falls into place when Kershaw graces the mound every fifth day. After enduring a month-long hiatus due to a left shoulder injury, Kershaw reclaimed his position on the Dodger Stadium mound with a vengeance. His dominating presence mirrored the pitcher who had led the National League in almost every statistic before his injury setback. In the opener of the series against the Rockies, Kershaw exhibited his prowess, allowing merely one run and tallying four strikeouts over five steady innings. Though he was cautious in his pitch count, throwing 67 pitches with 45 strikes, this outing marked his first since June 27, necessitating some restraint. Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw The priority for the Dodgers lies in ensuring Kershaw's well-being not just for the present but also through...

Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw Dallas native Clayton Kershaw has expressed his disagreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers ' decision to welcome a satirical LGBTQ+ group called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during the team's annual Pride Night. Kershaw, a pitcher for the Dodgers, revealed to The Los Angeles Times that he approached the team about expediting the announcement of Christian Faith and Family Day, which will be held later this season. While Kershaw clarified that his concerns were directed towards the Sisters and not the LGBTQ+ community, he also stated that he would not boycott Pride Night on June 16. Photo: Instagram/Clayton Kershaw The Dodgers initially rescinded their invitation to the Sisters on May 17 due to backlash from conservative Roman Catholics and politicians, including Marco Rubio . However, this decision was met with its own backlash from LGBTQ+ groups, prompting the Dodgers to reverse their stance and welcome the Sisters back. The Sisters of P...