Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Becomes 20th MLB Pitcher to Record 3,000 Career Strikeouts

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has added another milestone to his already-iconic resume by recording his 3,000th career strikeout.

Kershaw's historic moment came in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox when he struck out Vinny Capra to end the frame.

Kershaw is the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. He is the first new member of the club since 2021 when Max Scherzer did it while playing for the Dodgers.

Injuries prevented Kershaw from hitting the milestone much sooner. He hasn't pitched more than 150 innings since the 2019 season.

A toe injury that required surgery in the offseason delayed Kershaw's debut this season. He made his first start on May 17 against the Los Angeles Angels.

After a slow start with a 5.17 ERA through his first four appearances, Kershaw pitched much better in June with a 2.28 ERA in five starts.

Kershaw and Scherzer are two of the three active pitchers with at least 3,000 strikeouts. Justin Verlander is also in the club, having reached the milestone in September 2019.

Of the 20 pitchers to record at least 3,000 strikeouts, 15 are in the Hall of Fame. Kershaw, Scherzer and Verlander will join that group as soon as they become eligible. Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling are the others not enshrined in Cooperstown.

Kershaw has had Hall-of-Fame credentials for years at this point. He is one of 11 pitchers in MLB history with at least three Cy Young awards. The southpaw is also the last pitcher to win a Cy Young and MVP in the same season (2014).

Reaching 3,000 strikeouts puts Kershaw in even more rarified air with plenty of time remaining this season to add to his total. The 37-year-old is also trying to help the Dodgers win a World Series for the second straight season and third time since 2020.