Clayton Kershaw (LA Dodgers) will not be able to play in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Kershaw met local media at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, USA, where the spring training camp was set up on the 18th (Korean time) and did not specifically explain why the WBC participation was cancelled, but according to ESPN, etc. It is observed that the injury history has become a problem during the period.
Players on the Major League Baseball 40-man roster must meet insurance requirements to compete in the WBC. Considering the recent surgery and injury, it is necessary to be reviewed for the possibility of recurrence, but it seems that Kershaw did not pass this barrier until after the WBC US team list was announced on the 10th.
It is said that the private insurance company contracted with MLB did not allow the Dodgers, saying, “We cannot compensate for injuries sustained during the WBC period.” Kershaw tried to solve the insurance problem personally, but it also failed.
Last year, 온라인카지노 Kershaw also missed a month due to sacroiliac joint inflammation, or pelvic injury, in May, and in August, a chronic back injury recurred and he also had to undergo rehabilitation for four weeks. He has been on the injured list 5 times in the last 3 years.
Because of this, he failed to hit the FA jackpot. After the 2021 season, after contemplating a transfer to the Texas Rangers and retirement, he accepted the Dodgers’ $17 million offer and stayed, and had to renew a one-year contract with the Dodgers for $20 million even after last year’s season.
After saying, “It’s super disappointing,” Kershaw said, “I tried other ways to solve the problem. Even though I’m 100% healthy, I don’t have a problem, it didn’t work out. I really want to become a member of the national team. I wanted to,” he said, expressing deep regret.
Kershaw was born in 1988 and is 35 years old this year. It is unlikely that the opportunity to compete in the WBC again will come. The 6th WBC is scheduled for March 2025. Kershaw bowed his head, saying, “Maybe this is my last chance, so I really wanted to play. There are reasons like this, but I’m disappointed, but what can I do? I’ll do my best to prepare for the season.”
Tony Riggins, general manager of the US national team, said, “Unfortunately, Clayton will not be able to pitch for us. Clayton’s desire to wear a uniform with ‘USA’ on his chest was desperate. As such, we are looking forward to seeing him on the mound at this tournament. “Now I have to worry about who I pick as a substitute to defend my WBC title.”
Despite suffering two injuries last year, Kershaw posted a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, an average ERA of 2.28, and 137 strikeouts in 126⅓ innings in 22 games, raising expectations as the WBC’s American ace this time.
With Kershaw’s departure, the US starters are St. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright (last year’s record 11-12, 3.71, 143 strikeouts), Arizona Diamondbacks Merrill Kelly (13-8, 3.37, 177 strikeouts), San Diego Padres Nick Martinez (4). 4 wins, 3.47, 95 strikeouts), St. Louis Miles Michaels (12 wins, 13 losses, 3.29, 153 strikeouts), and Chicago White Sox Lance Lynn (8 wins, 7 losses, 3.99, 124 strikeouts) remain.
The U.S., which won the WBC for the first time in 2017, tried to form a national team with the best major leaguers with the goal of winning again this time. Among the 20 participating countries, it is considered the strongest along with the Dominican Republic, but the dominant evaluation is that the mound does not reach Japan.
It is unlikely that the starting pitcher who will replace Kershaw will be a Cy Young-class ace. After all, considering his performance last year, it is highly likely that Kelly will take over some of the key matches, such as against Mexico and Canada in the Group C league, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. From 2015 to 2018, Kelly recorded a total of 48 wins and 32 losses and an average ERA of 3.86 in 4 seasons at SK Wyverns, and then succeeded in entering the major leagues.