Clayton Kershaw is on the verge of becoming the 20th pitcher in major-league history to achieve 3,000 strikeouts. At 37 years old, he has faced challenges with velocity due to injuries but still utilizes two effective pitches: a slider and a curve. White Sox players, including shortstop Chase Meidroth and manager Will Venable, reflect on Kershaw's impact and competitiveness, noting their personal experiences against him. Kershaw’s ongoing performance despite injury setbacks highlights his status as a premier pitcher in the league.
Kershaw, 37, isn’t the flamethrower he was when he broke into the majors as a 20-year-old with a fastball averaging 95 mph. Lower-back injuries began to cut into his velocity in 2017, when his four-seamer averaged 92.8 mph.
Sox manager Will Venable recalled his experience against Kershaw, noting he faced him 19 times and went 4-for-16, surprised he only struck out three times.
Venable praised Kershaw as an extremely hard worker and a great human being, emphasizing his competitiveness and his ability to present problems for hitters.
Kershaw still possesses an 85.6 mph, late-breaking slider and a looping 72 mph curve, making him one of the Dodgers' most effective pitchers.
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