Clayton Kershaw becomes 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 strikeouts

· New York Post

Clayton Kershaw added yet another line to his Baseball Hall of Fame resume.

The Dodgers left-hander recorded the 3,000th strikeout of his big league career on Wednesday night, becoming just the 20th pitcher to do so.

Clayton Kershaw reacts after striking out Vinny Capra during the sixth inning to record his 3,000th career strikeout during the Dodgers’ home game against the White Sox on July 2, 2025. Getty Images

Kershaw, having notched 2,999 in the top of the fifth inning against the White Sox, etched his name into the history books when he punched out Vinny Capra on a backdoor slider to close out the sixth.

The southpaw walked back to the third base dugout with the Dodger Stadium crowd on its feet, with Kershaw tipping his cap, waving to the fans and getting hugs from his Los Angeles teammates.

Clayton Kershaw (22) is congratulated by Teoscar Hernandez (37, left), Freddie Freeman (5) and Michael Conforto (23) after his 3000th career strike in the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ home game vs. the White Sox. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He became just the third active pitcher to reach the milestone, joining Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Clayton Kershaw tips his cap after recording his 3,000th career strikeout by striking out Vinny Capra during the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ home game against the White Sox. AP

Only three other lefties have accomplished the feat — CC Sabathia, Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson.