Clayton Kershaw will work his first official local broadcast for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, joining play-by-play announcer Joe Davis in the booth for SportsNet LA during the team’s game against the Atlanta Braves, according to an announcement by the Dodgers. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. PT with the first pitch scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
Clayton Kershaw Takes on Booth Duties for SportsNet LA
The three-time Cy Young Award winner and franchise icon is stepping into the commentary role after concluding an 18-year playing career spent entirely with Los Angeles, establishing the longest tenure for any player in franchise history, according to team statements. Orel Hershiser will handle color analyst duties alongside Davis for the final two games of the series.
While this marks Kershaw’s first official local broadcast appearance for SportsNet LA, the 38-year-old left-hander has experience behind the microphone. According to the team’s announcements, Kershaw appeared twice as part of NBC’s first-year “Sunday Night Baseball” coverage, working in Dodgers games on Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks and on Aug. 2 against the Boston Red Sox. Before the season, Kershaw also inked a deal with NBC Sports to serve as a pregame and studio analyst, as noted by The Big Lead.
Retirement, Special Assistant Role, and Franchise Legacy
Kershaw retired after the 2025 season, ending a career that included three championships, an MVP, and 11 All-Star selections, according to The Big Lead. He was warming in the bullpen when Yoshinobu Yamamoto induced the title-winning double play last November in Toronto, initially stating that he didn’t see any official jobs in his future. By March, however, Kershaw officially rejoined the Dodgers as a special assistant.
Pro Tip: Tune in early for pre-game coverage starting at 3 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA to catch the opening remarks from the newly formed broadcast trio of Joe Davis, Clayton Kershaw, and Kirsten Watson.
The transition into retirement has provided significant personal flexibility for the longtime ace, who continues to watch games from his home in Texas with his wife, Ellen, and their five children. “If you don’t want to work out, you don’t have to. If your back hurts, it doesn’t matter. If your arm hurts, it doesn’t matter. You get to see a lot more stuff, be around for everything. So there’s a great parts. It doesn’t take away from how special playing this game is, but there’s a lot of really awesome parts about being home.”
Broadcast Context and Series Stakes
The Tuesday night matchup against the Atlanta Braves serves as a marquee contest on the Dodgers schedule, pitting Los Angeles against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves in a game that could serve as a potential postseason preview, as highlighted by The Big Lead. Viewers familiar with Kershaw’s dugout interviews during his playing days can expect similar analytical depth in the booth, given the natural banter and established rapport between Kershaw and Davis.
Did You Know? Clayton Kershaw spent his entire 18-year career as a Dodger, the longest tenure for a player in franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Clayton Kershaw broadcasting his first Dodgers game on SportsNet LA?
Kershaw is scheduled to join the SportsNet LA booth on Tuesday for the game against the Atlanta Braves, with pre-game coverage beginning at 3 p.m. PT and first pitch at 4:15 p.m. PT, according to the Dodgers.
Who is joining Clayton Kershaw in the broadcast booth?
Kershaw will call the game alongside Joe Davis and Kirsten Watson, according to network announcements.
What is Clayton Kershaw’s current official role with the Dodgers?
Kershaw rejoined the Dodgers as a special assistant in March.
Has Kershaw worked on television broadcasts before?
Yes. Prior to his local broadcast debut on SportsNet LA, Kershaw appeared twice as part of NBC’s first-year “Sunday Night Baseball” coverage, in addition to signing a deal with NBC Sports to serve as a pregame and studio analyst before the season.
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