MLB fans rip Clayton Kershaw on Twitter after mediocre Game 5

Clayton Kershaw’s playoff legacy is in question yet again

Kershaw’s regular season ERA dwarfs his postseason ERA, and despite his Hall of Fame status in Los Angeles, what’s holding him back from being the Sandy Koufax of his generation is World Series glory. The Dodgers have been on the precipice before, only to fall short. And despite having the best record in baseball, the Dodgers are facing the premature end to their season come Game 6. Kershaw plays a role in that as the leader of their pitching staff.

The elite lefty threw just over five innings on Thursday, giving up four runs on seven hits in the process. It’s not an awful stat line, but the Braves six-run sixth inning ballooned the scoreline and any hope of Kershaw keeping his legacy intact to fight another day. Instead, his status as a playoff choker is back in full force and should the Dodgers not give him a chance at redemption, it will remain that way until at least next October.

MLB fans had some fun at Kershaw’s expense

Kershaw is a living legend, and one series against the Braves will not determine his overall legacy as a Hall of Fame talent. However, just as is the case in all sports, an athlete will always be partially defined by their ability to win at the highest level. Kershaw can get his team close, but is unable to get over the hump.

An NLCS defeat would serve as a tremendous disappointment not just for Kershaw, but the Dodgers as a whole. They traded for Mookie Betts before the season! Despite all the talent, somehow, someway, they get in their own way. Kershaw alone can’t be blamed for that, but he’s been a contributing factor for over a decade.