Kershaw Debuts for Team USA, Allows 2 Runs in 14-4 Win

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Clayton Kershaw, the retired Los Angeles Dodgers ace, made his long-awaited debut for Team USA on Wednesday, pitching two-thirds of an inning in an exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The United States secured a 14-4 victory in the tune-up ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but Kershaw's brief appearance drew a mix of applause and scrutiny after he allowed two runs, including a home run to the first batter he faced.

Kershaw, who turns 38 later this month, entered in relief of Ryan Yarbrough in the bottom of the fourth inning with Team USA leading 3-1. The crowd of 11,803, including many Rockies fans, gave him a standing ovation as he took the mound in a red, white and blue uniform for the first time in his career. Mickey Moniak greeted him with a home run on the first pitch, cutting the lead to 3-2. Kershaw then walked Braxton Fulford before retiring T.J. Rumfield on a groundout. He issued another walk before being replaced by Carson Skipper, who allowed Fulford to score on a home run by Kyle Karros.

The outing marked Kershaw's return to organized baseball since his final major league appearance in...