Clayton Kershaw honored by legend entry into All-Star Game - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw appreciates his 11th career All-Star Game selection while acknowledging this one's a little different from the rest.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner has made only nine starts this season but still got selected to the National League team as a «Legend Pick» by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, under a provision in the collective bargaining agreement.

«You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star Game, regardless of the circumstances,» Kershaw said Monday before the Dodgers played the Milwaukee Brewers. «Obviously, I don't deserve to get to go this season. I haven't pitched very much.»

This marked the first time Manfred made a Legend Pick for the All-Star Game since 2022, when Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols both received that designation.

«I didn't really actually know that was a thing,» Kershaw said. «At the end of the day, it's weird, but it's cool, so I'm just going to enjoy it.»

The honor comes less than a week after Kershaw recorded his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming just the 20th pitcher to reach that plateau. He's in his 18th season with the Dodgers, tying Hall of Fame outfielder Zack Wheat and shortstop Bill Russell for the franchise record.

The 37-year-old left-hander didn't make his season debut until May 17 as he worked his way back from toe and knee surgeries. He also had undergone shoulder surgery after the 2023 season. He owns a 4-0 record and 3.43 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 44⅔ innings.

«I think it's mixed,» Kershaw said. «I think there's some good and some bad. I think it's helpful to be able to get the reps, go back out and be able to feel OK in between starts to work on some stuff and try to figure out some things mechanically and