"Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell is taking over Clayton Kershaw's old locker at Spring Training, a symbolic passing of the torch from one lefty to another. Kershaw, after spending his entire career in Dodger blue and cementing himself as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, made the tough decision to retire amid a series of injuries and his growing family needing him to be home rather than on the road for 162 games plus the entire postseason. The lefty got to go out on his own terms, as a champion who got a ceremonial last start at Dodger Stadium."
"As Dodgers pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring Training, Kershaw's absence is certainly being felt, especially since he has been such a mainstay, having crossed over from the previous ownership. "When we get to spring training at Camelback and not seeing his locker where it's been for 17 years, 18 years, it's gonna be different," Dave Roberts said, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. "The presence, seeing No. 22 out there early, doing sprints, seeing him in the weight room, knowing it's Kershaw Day (when he pitched), not having that - it's different.""
Blake Snell will occupy Clayton Kershaw's former locker at Dodgers Spring Training, marking a symbolic handover between elite left-handed pitchers. Kershaw retired after a Hall of Fame-caliber career in Los Angeles, citing injuries and a desire to spend more time with his growing family, and he finished with a ceremonial final start at Dodger Stadium. He is moving into a broadcasting role with NBC as the franchise turns the page on his era. Manager Dave Roberts said not seeing Kershaw's locker after 17 or 18 years will feel different, and teammates will miss his presence and routines during spring reporting. Veterans Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Kiké Hernández, and Max Muncy provide leadership and continuity in the clubhouse.
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