• Full name Clayton Edward Kershaw
  • Born 03/19/1988 in Dallas, TX
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Highland Park
  • Debut 05/25/2008
  • Drafted in the 1st round (7th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 (signed for $2,300,000).
    View Draft Report
    The draft's best high school prospect, Kershaw projected as only a second- or third-round pick before blossoming as a senior. He had gotten exposure as a member of the USA Baseball national junior team and had a solid fastball for a lefthander at 88-92 mph. Now he has grown into his strong, athletic 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame, and his stuff has taken a leap. He has pitched at 90-96 mph all spring while continuing to pound the bottom of the strike zone. His curveball has improved even more than his fastball and now ranks a legitimate second plus pitch. He also has done a better job of repeating his delivery, giving him more control and command. Kershaw has dominated every time out, striking out 18 in Highland Park's district opener and breaking the school's career record for victories by earning No. 32 in his next outing. The only blip came when he strained an oblique muscle in his regular-season finale, knocking him out of the first round of the playoffs. The injury won't affect his draft status-he could go as high as No. 6 overall to the Tigers-and he was expected to return to action in the second round of the playoffs.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Pitcher in the National League in 2014
  • Rated Best Pitcher in the National League in 2013
  • Rated Best Curveball in the National League in 2012
  • Rated Best Pitcher in the National League in 2012
  • Rated Best Curveball in the National League in 2011
  • Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Southern League in 2008
  • Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Southern League in 2008
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Southern League in 2008
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008
  • Rated Best Pitching Prospect in the Midwest League in 2007
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Midwest League in 2007
  • Rated Best Control in the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007

Career Transactions

  • Los Angeles Dodgers placed LHP Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 30, 2023. Left shoulder soreness.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Clayton Kershaw from the bereavement list.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers placed LHP Clayton Kershaw on the bereavement list.
  • United States activated LHP Clayton Kershaw.

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