Clayton Kershaw Confirmed for Dodgers' NLDS Bullpen Role Against Phillies

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that star pitcher Clayton Kershaw will be on the NL Division Series roster, pitching out of the bullpen against the Philadelphia Phillies. This marks another postseason appearance for the franchise's all-time strikeout leader in what is expected to be his final season, after he was previously left off the wild-card roster. The Dodgers intend to utilize the 37-year-old southpaw in the longer series, especially against dangerous left-handed Phillies hitters like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Despite a late start to 2025 due to offseason surgery, Kershaw had a positive year, ranking second on the team with 112 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.36 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts), including a recent bullpen cameo. Roberts also outlined the rest of the pitching staff, with Shohei Ohtani starting Game 1, Blake Snell Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto Game 3, and Tyler Glasnow for Game 4 if needed.