Clayton Kershaw’s first relief appearance since 2019 proved to be a difficult one on Tuesday night as he allowed four runs in a chaotic eighth inning, contributing to the Phillies’ 8-2 victory over the Mets in Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series. The left-hander, who has been a dominant force on the mound for the Phillies in the regular season, struggled to find his rhythm in the high-stakes environment of the postseason, allowing a pair of home runs and walking two batters in the frame.
The performance has sparked concerns about Kershaw’s ability to adapt to relief roles and his effectiveness in crucial moments. While the Phillies were ultimately able to secure a hard-fought victory, the manner in which Kershaw’s inning unfolded was a stark contrast to his usual dominance. Manager Joe Girardi expressed some disappointment with the outing, though he acknowledged the team’s overall effort in the game.
Despite the setback, the Phillies maintained their momentum in the series, sending the Mets to the brink of elimination. Kershaw’s struggles in this outing have sparked discussions among analysts and fans about the challenges of transitioning from a starting pitcher to a relief role, particularly in the postseason. The team will now turn its focus to the next game in the series, hoping to build on their recent success.