Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Calls 'Weird' All-Star Nod a 'Tremendous Honor'
The Los Angeles Dodgers saw their longtime ace, Clayton Kershaw, earn his 11th All-Star Game selection, courtesy of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
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After receiving such an honor, the Dodgers ace reacted to his selection ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers series in a piece from Steve Megargee of the Associated Press.
"You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star game," Kershaw said. "Obviously, I don't deserve to get to go this season. I haven't pitched very much."
Kershaw, who pitched just 44.2 innings this season with a 3.43 ERA, likely wouldn't make the All-Star game in any season with these numbers. But Manfred is using his Legend Pick for the first time since 2022.
"I didn't really actually know that was a thing. At the end of the day," Kershaw said, "It's weird, but it's cool, so I'm just going to enjoy it."
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While he didn't make the All-Star team like the other players on the team, his efforts in his long 18-year MLB career more than make up for any hard feelings; he also isn't taking a roster spot away from anyone, as it's an extra spot for Kershaw.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws the pitch for his 3000th strikeout during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
A few days before learning he was heading to his 11th All-Star game, Kershaw reached 3,000 career strikeouts. Combined with his 216 career wins, 76.9 WAR, three Cy Young Awards, and an MVP, there isn't much Kershaw hasn't done in his Hall of Fame career.
He's been one of the best pitchers of this era, and Manfred's use of the Legend Pick for Kershaw is in honor of such career achievements. In 2022, Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols earned such nods, and three years later, Kershaw gets one of his own.
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Even though Kershaw isn't making it on his pitching this season, he's still honored to be heading to the All-Star game.
"I'll never pass up that opportunity. It's a tremendous honor." Kershaw said, "Super thankful to get to go. Regardless of the situation or how I maybe snuck into the All-Star Game, it's pretty cool to get to be able to go."
At 37 years old, Kershaw is heading to his 11th All-Star game, his first since the 2023 season. The Dodgers legend has more than earned this special selection, as he's been one of the best pitchers this century.
Related: Rob Manfred Makes Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Announcement
Related: Dodgers Announce Roster Moves Ahead of Brewers Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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