BREAKING: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw to Make Triumphant Season Debut Saturday After Multiple Surgeries—Veteran Ace Issues Bold Promise to Fans

LOS ANGELES — In a moment Dodgers fans have waited months—if not years—for, Clayton Kershaw, the legendary left-handed ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will make his 2025 season debut this Saturday, following a long, grueling road of multiple surgeries and recovery setbacks.

The 36-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer confirmed the news himself during a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, where he spoke with a quiet but unmistakable confidence—and even issued a bold promise to Dodgers fans.

“I didn’t go through all of this just to return—I came back to win,” Kershaw said. “You’re going to see the best version of me I’ve got left. I owe it to this team, this city, and to the game.”

A Comeback Nearly a Year in the Making

Kershaw hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since September 2024, when lingering shoulder pain and decreased velocity forced the team to shut him down ahead of the playoffs. It was later revealed that he underwent shoulder surgery followed by a minor elbow procedure, sparking widespread speculation that his career might be coming to a close.

But Kershaw, known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, was determined not to let his storied career end that way.

“There were times I wasn’t sure I’d make it back,” he admitted. “But every time I thought about walking away, I’d remember what it feels like to pitch at Dodger Stadium. That kept me going.”

According to team officials, Kershaw has been throwing bullpen sessions over the past month and recently completed a simulated game with no pain and solid command of all his pitches.

Dodgers Fans Rejoice: A Legend Returns

Dodger Nation responded to the announcement with immediate excitement, with tickets for Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants seeing a sharp spike in resale value—some now going for more than $500 per seat in lower levels.

On social media, fans celebrated the news with emotional posts and nostalgic tributes.

• “Our king is back. Let’s get one more ride with #22.”

• “If you’re not at Dodger Stadium Saturday, are you even a fan?”

• “Kershaw back on the mound? Feels like October already.”

The Dodgers have already confirmed that Saturday’s game will include a video tribute, highlighting Kershaw’s career milestones—including his 2014 MVP season, his 200+ wins, and, of course, the 2020 World Series title that ended the franchise’s championship drought.

What Kershaw Brings to the 2025 Dodgers

Despite his age and injury history, Kershaw is still expected to play a meaningful role for a team that has championship aspirations yet again. With ace Walker Buehler and breakout star Bobby Miller anchoring the rotation, Kershaw’s presence adds experience, postseason poise, and left-handed balance.

Manager Dave Roberts was beaming when discussing his longtime pitcher.

“We’re getting back a guy who knows how to win, who knows how to pitch, and who knows what October feels like,” Roberts said. “More than that, the young guys get to watch a living legend work every day.”

Kershaw will be on a limited pitch count, expected to throw around 60–70 pitches in his debut while the team evaluates his stamina and recovery pace in live-game situations. If all goes well, he could be fully ramped up by late June or early July—just in time to help steer the Dodgers toward another playoff run.

One More Ring?

Kershaw’s return brings not just pitching talent but emotional leadership to a clubhouse hungry for redemption after falling short in the 2024 postseason. With many speculating this could be his final MLB season, the stakes feel higher than ever.

“If this is the last chapter, I want it to end with fireworks—not silence,” Kershaw said with a smile. “And if we win another ring? That’s the perfect goodbye.”

While he declined to confirm any retirement plans, his comments suggest that 2025 could be a farewell tour—and one Dodgers fans will not want to miss.

Final Thoughts: The Heartbeat of the Dodgers Returns

In an age of free agency turnover and fleeting allegiances, Clayton Kershaw remains the soul of the Dodgers franchise. Through 16 seasons, he has weathered injuries, criticism, and playoff heartbreak—but always with poise and loyalty to the blue and white.

Saturday’s game won’t just be a return—it will be a celebration of perseverance, greatness, and everything that makes baseball timeless.

And in Kershaw’s own words, it’s not just about coming back.
It’s about finishing what he started.