Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw gets heroic MLB All Star Game pick as legend despite injury comeback

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Atlanta's Truist Park on July 15, and the hype is gaining momentum quickly. Among all the headlines in the run-up to it, one surprising announcement overshadowed them all a Dodgers icon, considered by some to have well past his All-Star days, has been given one final ride to the Midsummer Classic.

And it wasn't through usual voting or stat-based choice it was through a rare pick made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred himself.

Commissioner Rob Manfred honors Clayton Kershaw with final All-Star appearance

In a surprise even to Clayton Kershaw, the 37-year-old hurler has been included on the National League All-Star team as part of Manfred's rarely used "Legend Pick." Players who have consistently influenced the game have the token spot.

It was Eleven-time All-Star Kershaw who was humble and appreciative of the invitation

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"I'm extremely happy to get to go," Kershaw remarked with a smile. “You never take for granted getting to go to an All-Star Game.”He admitted he hasn’t “pitched very much” this season due to ongoing recovery, but didn’t hesitate when given the opportunity: “I will never pass up the opportunity.”When questioned about how he discovered, Kershaw explained, "I don't know if Doc was thinking of surprise or not. But I had no idea until he said it."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was also involved in constructing the NL roster, was also a staunch supporter of the decision, adding, "It's not charity; it's something that's earned over a long period… what he's done for the game, on and off the field."

3,000 strikeouts make Clayton Kershaw’s choice even sweeter

Only days away from the All-Star selection announcement, Kershaw hit a mark that few pitchers ever reach. In Dodger Stadium on July 2, he became the 20th player in the history of Major League Baseball to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts.

He did it in vintage Kershaw fashion with a pitch-perfect slider to retire Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox.Also Read: Clayton Kershaw Chronicles 3000th Strikeout Against The Chicago White SoxThat was cemented into elite status, joining immortals such as Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia as among the best left-handed starters in the history of the game. "It was overwhelming," Kershaw said afterward. "I don't have a lot of great words other than that it was just really special."Since coming onto the scene with the Dodgers in 2008, Kershaw has amassed just about every prominent honor a pitcher can imagine: three Cy Youngs, an MVP, a no-hitter, a World Series crown, and now 3,000 strikeouts. This surprise All-Star selection just marks another chapter in an incredible career.