Dodgers' player, Andy Pages, delivers a powerful 3-run home run against the Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers' Season Debut for Clayton Kershaw ends in a Tight Loss
It wasn't Clayton Kershaw's finest outing, but a home run by Andy Pages brought the crowd at Dodger Stadium to their feet in the bottom of the first. Facing a 3-0 deficit, Pages delivered a powerful three-run blast off Angels starter Griffin Canning, tying the game and marking Pages' ninth home run of the season.
Pages' homer came during a four-batter response after the Angels got the better of Kershaw in the top of the frame. Making his first start since August 2024, the 37-year-old Kershaw was greeted with a three-run opening inning, including an RBI single by Logan O'Hoppe and a double from Matthew Lugo.
Kershaw, returning after toe and knee surgeries, managed to settle down somewhat but lasted just four innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks. His fastball velocity hovered around 89.2 mph, similar to recent years, but his command was erratic, especially in the opening frame. "I love being back out here," Kershaw admitted postgame. "Pitching at Dodger Stadium is always special. I wanted to pitch better – I need to pitch better."
The game quickly transformed into a back-and-forth slugfest. The Dodgers took their first lead in the sixth inning, but the Angels answered back with a five-run seventh, with O'Hoppe launching a 10th homer of the season – collecting a career-high five RBIs in the game. Los Angeles ultimately fell 11-9, despite strong offensive performances by Freddie Freeman, Pages, Hernández, and Dalton Rushing.
Kershaw's return offered a bittersweet moment for both Dodgers' fans and the future Hall of Famer himself, acknowledging the taste of competition after nearly a year off the mound. Manager Dave Roberts shared the sentiments, stating, "The velocity was better than it's been in a while, but the command wasn't consistent. He had guys with two strikes and couldn't put them away – that's typically his calling card."
Barring more setbacks, Kershaw's road back will be a gradual journey, with injuries still affecting the Dodgers' rotation. Despite a rocky start in his season debut, the Dodgers are optimistic about Kershaw's potential for improvement. Meanwhile, Pages' three-run homer signals his emerging role as a crucial offensive presence for the team.
Kirby Yates' ongoing recovery may add to the Dodgers' injury concerns, potentially exacerbating their pitching woes.
Rams' Matthew Stafford voiced his support for Clayton Kershaw during his first Dodgers start of 2025.
Rumors circulated that the Padres and Angels had briefly discussed a potential Shohei Ohtani trade in 2022, although no deal was ultimately made.
Kirby Yates' ongoing recovery may add to the Dodgers' concern about injuries, further burdening their pitching staff. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are optimistic that Kershaw's potential for improvement will outweigh the rocky start in his season debut, regardless of persistent rumors about the Padres and Angels' discussions on a potential Shohei Ohtani trade in 2022.
