Clayton Kershaw didn't debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers until July 25 this year due to a long recovery from offseason left shoulder surgery.

He ended up making seven starts for the team before being placed on the 15-day injured list on August 31 due to left big toe inflammation caused by a bone spur.

Kershaw hoped to return in time for the postseason, but was ruled out after the injury aggravated during his comeback attempt.

The left-hander is still with the Dodgers, supporting his teammates on their postseason journey to the World Series.

“It is what it is,” Kershaw said when asked how difficult it was not being able to pitch.

“Of course I would love to be out there, but I can’t, so just try to be the best teammate I can and have fun watching the game from the front row.”

Kershaw went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 30 innings this year. It is the first time since his rookie season in 2008 that he has posted an ERA above 4.00.

Clayton Kershaw is not retiring

Considering that the 36-year-old thinks about his future every year and that another season was marred by injuries, it was safe to assume that Kershaw would consider retirement.

However, he ruled this out during an appearance on the set of Fox Sports and confirmed that the Dodgers would be pitching in 2025.

“Mentally I’m doing great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, but my shoulder and my elbow, everything, my arm feels great,” Kershaw said. Of course I was unlucky with my foot this year, but I would like to take advantage of this operation. I don't want to have surgery and then cancel it.

“So I’ll come back next year, give it a try and see how it goes.”

What Kershaw isn't sure about yet is his Dodgers contract through the 2025 season. He could exercise a player option or decline it to become a free agent and re-sign with the team under different terms.

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