Clayton Kershaw’s first postseason turn in the booth came with plenty of baggage, but Padres fans ended up giving the Dodgers legend something he almost never gets from that crowd: credit.
Kershaw was the on-field analyst for NBC’s Game 1 broadcast of the San Diego Padres’ Wild Card Series matchup with the Chicago Cubs, and the reaction from San Diego fans was surprisingly warm. That was no small thing, considering Kershaw spent years tormenting the Padres on the mound and remains one of the most recognizable faces in the Dodgers-Padres rivalry.
On the call, though, he kept things steady. Kershaw highlighted Fernando Tatis Jr.’s offensive turnaround and singled out Michael King and Joe Musgrove as San Diego’s top pitchers. He also came across as balanced, offering detail on the mechanics of Padres hitters and pitchers without sounding like he was trying too hard to impress anyone.
That mattered in a game where the Padres were rolling. San Diego beat the Cubs 8-0 as the bats erupted and the home run barrage took over.
Part of what stood out about Kershaw’s broadcast debut was how current it felt. Since he pitched as recently as last year, he brought a modern perspective that felt closer to the game being played now, not the detached tone that can come from some former players who have been away from the field for a while. Add in his unique spot in the crowd, right behind home plate, and he had a vantage point that clearly translated on air.
The praise started showing up quickly on X.
“I hate to say it, but Kershaw is the analyst that the networks think Smoltz is,” The Positive Padre said on X.
“I know people don’t want to hear it but Kershaw has been very good in the broadcast tonight,” Al Scott added.
“He really has, unbiased and providing good insight. He was always a good guy so I’m not surprised, just couldn’t root for him because of his team,” another Padres fan said.
“Admittedly, he was good! Honesty neutrality, and some good insight,” Change the Padres wrote on X.
“I honestly thought Kershaw was fantastic as a broadcaster. He was fun to listen to and brought knowledge that I have not heard before,” @sandiegosports said on X.
“Honestly, I liked him in the broadcast. Was skeptical at first, ya know, being a Padres fan.
He kept it well balanced and was fun to listen to. Wouldn’t mind him in the future,” another said.
For a Dodgers icon to draw that kind of response from Padres fans says plenty about how strong his first broadcast outing was.
In Other News...
Dodgers Face A Miguel Rojas Postseason Wrinkle They Didn't Expect
Miguel Rojas is juggling more than the usual October pressure as the Dodgers get ready for the National League Division Series. The veteran infielder is scheduled to take his U.S. citizenship test on Oct. 2 in Miami, a timing quirk that could pull him away from the club at the exact moment the postseason begins. Rojas is hoping to make it back in time for Game 1, but the Dodgers are once again being asked to plan around a player whose value goes beyond the box score.
There is also a bigger layer hanging over the situation, one that makes this more than just a travel inconvenience. Rojas has said he would only keep playing if the Dodgers offer him a contract, and his current deal runs out after the World Series, leaving his future unsettled even as the club tries to line up for October. For a team that has leaned on experience and versatility all season, it is a reminder that the roster questions do not stop when the bracket does. [Read more 🡒]
Dodgers Finally Know When Their NLDS Opener Will Begin
The Dodgers finally have a start time for their NLDS opener, and it comes with the usual October combination of anticipation and uncertainty. Major League Baseball set Game 1 of Los Angeles Division Series for Saturday at 1 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, giving the club a clear target as it waits to learn whether its opponent will be the Braves or the Phillies.
The broader playoff picture also tightened up Wednesday, when the Padres beat the Cubs 4-1 to finish a two-game sweep in the wild card series and move on to face the Brewers. For the Dodgers, the next step still depends on the result of the Atlanta-Philadelphia game, and while the first pitch is locked in, the remaining schedule for the series has yet to be determined. [Read more 🡒]
Dodgers NLDS Opener Comes With A Tough Twist Fans Will Feel
The Dodgers now know their NLDS opener will arrive Saturday at 1 p.m. PT, and the matchup will come against either the Braves or the Phillies once the deciding game is settled Thursday. San Diegos sweep through the Wild Card round cleared the path for Los Angeles, but the first step of this next series carries an immediate test before a pitch is even thrown.
Forecasts are calling for temperatures near 100 degrees for the opener, a brutal backdrop that could shape how the game is played. Heat this extreme can wear on hitters and lengthen the challenge for both clubs, making the start of the series feel less like a normal October afternoon and more like a survival test. [Read more 🡒]