Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on June 20. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers Legend Moves Closer to Historic Milestone

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 2:16 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers topped the Washington Nationals on Friday night as Clayton Kershaw moved closer to another milestone in his career.

With four strikeouts over five innings, Kershaw is now just eight K's away from the historic 3,000 strikeout club.

There are only 19 members of the club, with C.C. Sabathia, Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton serving as the only lefties. All three are Hall of Famers, and Kershaw will one day join them in Cooperstown.

Clayton Kershaw improves to 3-0 and is now just 8 strikeouts away from 3,000! pic.twitter.com/fnaATXUKJM
— MLB (@MLB) June 21, 2025

One of the best pitchers of the Modern Era, Kershaw has gone 215-94 in his career with a sterling 2.51 ERA. He's a five-time ERA champion, a three-time Cy Young winner, a 10-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. He also helped the Dodgers win the 2020 and 2024 World Series titles, though he was injured for last season's championship run.

He's only made seven starts this year since coming off the injured list, going 3-0 with a 3.31 ERA. He's struck out 24 batters in 32.2 innings. Now 37-years old, he's scheduled to be a free agent after the season, so this could be his final season.

After the win, the Dodgers are 47-30 and in first place in the National League West. The Nationals are 31-45 and in fourth place in the National League East.

The two teams will play again on Saturday night with first pitch coming at 10:10 p.m. ET. Right-hander Dustin May will pitch for Los Angeles while Jake Irvin goes for Washington.

May is 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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