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By Aaron Coloma
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw retired after the close of the 2025 season, and sent a humorous message to teammate Shohei Ohtani about his record against the two-way superstar.
Ohtani spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, winning Rookie of the Year in 2018 and his first MVP award in 2021. Kershaw faced Ohtani 11 times before the star switched to the blue side of Los Angeles, and never allowed him to reach base. Ohtani is 0-for-11 against Kershaw with four strikeouts, and Kershaw's record against him will remain perfect after his retirement.
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Kershaw spoke about his record against Ohtani on "The Dan Patrick Show," poking fun at his success against his teammate.
"Check the numbers, Dan," Kershaw said. "Check the numbers. I never gave up a hit to Shohei, and I will have that for the rest of my life."
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Kershaw's retirement marks the end of an era in Los Angeles, as he has spent the last 18 MLB seasons with the Dodgers. He had a career ERA of 2.53 — leading active pitchers with a minimum of 1,000 innings pitched ahead of his retirement — and also served as the active leader in shutouts with 15.
He's won one MVP, three World Series, three Cy Young awards, a Gold Glove, and received 11 All-Star selections in his Hall of Fame career.
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The southpaw's record against Ohtani is incredibly impressive given the reigning MVP's track record, sporting a career batting average of .282. The slugger had a fantastic 2025 campaign, leading MLB with 146 runs and 380 total bases and leading the National League in slugging percentage and OPS. He slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs.
With another incredibly strong showing in 2025, Ohtani is the clear favorite to win a third MVP award in a row — a feat which only Barry Bonds has accomplished.
Kershaw will go down as a legend in LA, and his record against one of the best players to ever step on the diamond will remain immortal in his retirement.
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