Nine times out of 10, when you ask the average person to name a pitcher, they will say Clayton Kershaw. And for good reason, as the ace pitcher for the LA Dodgers is now just eight strikeouts away from becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. The 37-year-old Dodgers legend struck out five batters over six innings of work against the Rockies on Saturday at Coors Field, bringing his career total to 2,992.
Dodgers first baseman Enrique “Kiké” Hernández spoke with SportsNet LA about the upcoming milestone, but the conversation quickly turned to how Kershaw leads the current Dodgers roster by example.
Enrique Hernández Talks Clayton Kershaw’s Leadership
Kershaw, a left-handed pitcher and three-time Cy Young Award winner, did not make his season debut until May 17 while completing his rehab from offseason surgeries on his left toe and left knee.
Despite this, he will be the most recent addition to the MLB’s 3,000 strikeout club since Max Scherzer in 2021, according to MLB.com.
Hernández said that not only is Kershaw a leader in the league, but the father of two is also a leader across the Los Angeles franchise.
“We can’t be more different, but we’re very similar at the same time,” Hernández said of Kershaw. “He sets a great example for a lot of things — leading the pitching staff, leading by example in the locker room, great family man, great dad, Kersh[aw] is just one of those guys that if you had to teach or show your kids how to handle themselves, you show them Kersh[aw].”
Kiké Hernández chats with @THEREAL_DV ahead of today’s series finale with the Rockies, giving us his insight on Clayton Kershaw approaching 3,000 career strikeouts. #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/aHq9xqGrcw
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 26, 2025
Kershaw was selected by the Dodgers as the No. 7 pick of the 2006 MLB Draft. He has served as their Opening Day starter for eight consecutive years and is a 10-time All-Star.
“A guy that has done that much and is still working that hard, it pushes you,” Hernández also said. “It inspires you to work harder and keep trying to improve your game … If it wasn’t for his work ethic and his dedication and his desire to be better each and every day, the evolution of Clayton not just as a guy but as a pitcher has been incredible.”
Kershaw’s next start is projected for Thursday at home against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is slated for 10:10 p.m. EST.