Here’s a bold statement: even in the heat of playoff baseball, respect between competitors can shine brighter than the rivalry itself. And that’s exactly what’s happening between Kyle Schwarber, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the legendary Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Kershaw’s postseason performance has been less than stellar, his legacy and impact on the game remain undisputed—yet his recent bullpen role has sparked debates about how teams should utilize their star players in high-pressure situations.**
The Dodgers kicked off their World Series title defense without Kershaw on their Wild Card Series roster, but with a strategic plan to add him if they advanced past the Cincinnati Reds. That plan materialized when the Dodgers swept the Reds, bringing Kershaw and Anthony Banda onto the playoff roster for a highly anticipated showdown with the Phillies. Kershaw, like Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki, transitioned to a bullpen role for the postseason—a move that’s both strategic and symbolic of his evolving career.
His only appearance so far came in Game 3 of the NLDS, where he allowed five runs (four earned) over two innings as the Phillies secured their lone victory. Notably, Kershaw surrendered home runs to J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber, the latter of whom made it a memorable night by hitting his second homer against Kershaw in his second at-bat. Schwarber later reflected that his first at-bat might have given him an edge, but he was quick to praise Kershaw’s enduring greatness.
‘I’ve faced Kersh for years now,’ Schwarber said. ‘He’s undoubtedly one of the top starting pitchers in baseball—a future Hall of Famer. I have a lot of respect for Clayton and how he carries himself. Knowing he’s retiring after this year makes every at-bat against him even more meaningful.’ Schwarber’s words highlight the mutual respect between competitors, even as they battle for supremacy on the field.
And this is the part most people miss: Schwarber’s success against Kershaw wasn’t just luck. He analyzed Kershaw’s approach, noting that in their first encounter, Kershaw relied heavily on sliders and curveballs, avoiding fastballs. ‘He tends to miss middle-in with the fastball, and I was fortunate to capitalize,’ Schwarber explained. ‘But Kersh is always a unique challenge with his diverse pitches. Facing him back-to-back can definitely give you an edge.’
The Dodgers’ decision to keep Kershaw in the game, despite his struggles, raised eyebrows. Manager Dave Roberts later revealed it was out of necessity—Tanner Scott, a key reliever, was absent due to personal reasons and later underwent a medical procedure, forcing the Dodgers to rely on Kershaw to eat innings while trailing. It was an unceremonious situation, but one that underscored the team’s depth challenges.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should teams prioritize preserving their star players’ legacies over tactical necessity in high-stakes games? Or is it fair to ask veterans like Kershaw to step into unfamiliar roles for the greater good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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