Clayton Kershaw aims for his 3,000th strikeout as the Dodgers host the White Sox on July 3, 2025. Can the King reach the historic milestone tonight?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
All eyes will be on Dodger Stadium tonight, and for once, the focus won't be solely on the high-powered offense. Tonight is about history. Clayton Kershaw, the heart and soul of this franchise for over a decade, takes the mound against the Chicago White Sox just three strikeouts shy of becoming the newest member of the elite 3,000-strikeout club. The electricity in Chavez Ravine will be palpable as every two-strike count brings fans to their feet.
The Dodgers have now won 13 of their last 16 games and hold an eight-game lead in the NL West.
It's a number reserved for the titans of the sport, and Clayton Kershaw is ready to take his place among them. With 2,997 career strikeouts, Kershaw's start tonight is less about the 4-0 record and 3.03 ERA he's posted this season and more about etching his name into baseball's history books. Facing a struggling White Sox lineup, the question feels less like 'if' and more like 'when' he'll get those final three Ks. It's a moment no Dodgers fan will want to miss, a testament to his enduring greatness and consistency.
While Kershaw's chase provides the historical drama, the 2025 Dodgers' story is being written by their relentless offense. They just dismantled these same White Sox 6-1 on Tuesday, a game where Shohei Ohtani blasted his 30th home run of the season and Yoshinobu Yamamoto looked every bit the ace with seven dominant innings. This team simply finds ways to score, leading all of MLB in runs, homers, batting average, OBP, and slugging. This offensive firepower is the engine behind their recent hot streak and comfortable division lead.
Even dominant teams face adversity. The bullpen took a slight hit as reliever Michael Kopech was placed on the 15-day IL with right knee inflammation, leading to the recall of Will Klein from Triple-A. The move underscores the constant need for pitching depth, especially with key arms still on the mend. Long-term updates remain steady: Blake Snell and Kyle Hurt are progressing from Tommy John surgery but aren't expected back soon. However, there's a glimmer of hope for the bullpen's back end, as Brusdar Graterol is reportedly targeting a potential return from his shoulder surgery in September, which could be a massive boost for the stretch run.
Tonight is a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Dodgers: celebrating a franchise legend's historic achievement while the current roster continues its march toward October. As we watch and wait for Kershaw's 3,000th strikeout, it's clear this team isn't just winning—it's building a legacy of its own. Get ready for a memorable night at the ballpark.
