Clayton Kershaw's playoff absence is making the worst Dodgers fans say the wrong things

Clayton Kershaw is going to be in the Hall of Fame, and that's just a fact. His career ERA of 2.50 is the best of any active pitcher. His MVP award, three Cy Youngs, 10 All-Star appearances and the fact that he is widely known as a living legend will put him on the first ballot, joining just 60 others of the 346 players enshrined in Cooperstown.

The only thing that could stop Kershaw from being the second unanimous first-round pick after Mariano Rivera is pretty obvious: his postseason performance. He has 12 years and 22 postseason experiences, but Kershaw's 2.50 career ERA appears to be disappearing in October, and whoever takes his place has made him a 4.49 ERA starter in the playoffs.

That year, Kershaw returned to the Dodgers because he felt the team was in the best possible position to win another World Series, or at least get there, and Kershaw wanted a chance to have the reputation that was has been haunting him for years, putting dust into action.

But a bone spur on his toe ended any chance. Kershaw wasn't on the NLDS or LCS roster and won't be in the World Series. He confirmed he would return to the Dodgers in 2025, but his 2024 season ended on August 30.

Although Kershaw is, as stated, a living legend, some Dodgers fans are a little too quick to turn on him and attribute the team's success this season to his absence.

Clayton Kershaw is being disrespected by Dodgers fans for his absence from the 2024 postseason

Dodgers fans get up in arms when an opposing team or fan base makes fun of Kershaw, but now it's far too easy for some to make hypocrites of themselves. The doubts about Kershaw in October are understandable given his record, but it seems impossible to completely rule out a pitcher whose peak lasted ten seasons. The same fans rejoicing over his postseason absence this year would likely have been devastated if he had decided to sign with the Rangers in free agency last offseason.

The Dodgers win despite many things. Despite a lineup that was at times barely able to strike in tough situations during the regular season, and despite a depleted pitching staff that leaves them with just three starters left. But they also win Because The lineup has shaken off its malaise, the bullpen has come through and Walker Buehler is looking a little more like himself. We can leave Kershaw out of this.