Dodgers have a big 112-inning Clayton Kershaw question to answer in 2026
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Dodgers have a big 112-inning Clayton Kershaw question to answer in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are the overwhelming World Series favorites in 2026, and it's hardly a surprise. They have won the last two World Series titles and have gotten even better over the offseason.
Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz are incredible additions, making the top contender even better. But, there is one big loss that the Dodgers will need to answer for: Clayton Kershaw.
As ESPN's Bradford Doolittle points out, the Dodgers are facing a big question with Kershaw, and specifically with his 112.2 innings pitched last season. Los Angeles needs to replace those innings, and it might not be the easiest thing for the Dodgers.
Dodgers have to find 112.2 innings after Kershaw's retirement
"Pivotal number: 112 2/3. This is Clayton Kershaw's innings count from his final season, which happened to rank second on the Dodgers," Doolittle writes.
Kershaw's retirement left a big hole not just from a legacy perspective, but also with how the Dodgers now need to find 112.2 innings of work going forward into 2026.
His total was second most on the team, with only World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto finishing with a number that resembles a typical starting pitcher.
This season, the Dodgers will need to find a lot of new innings from their pitching staff. While they have the pitching staff and depth to find those innings, the quality of those innings will matter.
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Shohei Ohtani will get more work on the mound this season, and add in a few other depth additions, and hopefully full seasons from Tyler Glasnow and others, and the Dodgers rotation should be in a fine spot.
However, 112.2 innings is a lot of work to find. Add in that Blake Snell is hurt, and more injuries are likely to come for L.A., and the pitching staff might be one of the biggest question marks for the Dodgers in 2026.
There is zero question about the talent and upside of the rotation, but whether they can put up quality outings and eat up innings all season is another question.
Kershaw's retirement has left a lot of work to replace in the Dodgers' pitching staff, and while Dave Roberts has plenty of options at his disposal, this storyline will be a big one for Los Angeles all season long.
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