LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Clayton Kershaw will pitch for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic, nearly four months after announcing his retirement following a 18-season major league career, all with the Dodgers, USA Baseball announced Thursday.
Kershaw announced Sept. 18 he would retire at the end of the season. His final appearance with the Dodgers came in Game 3 of the World Series, relieving Emmet Sheehan with the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the 12th inning and the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays tied, 5-5.
Kershaw induced Nathan Lukes to ground out to second baseman Tommy Edman on eight pitches, preserving the tie in the game won by the Dodgers 6-5 on Freddie Freeman’s home run leading off the bottom of the 18th.
Kershaw has not pitched in the World Baseball Classic. He was selected for the U.S. roster for the 2023 tournament, but had to withdraw due to insurance issues.
Kershaw has played for one U.S. national team. He was a member of the 2005 18U national team that finished second in the Pan American Championships.
The U.S. is set to begin play in the World Baseball Classic March 6 against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.
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