SEATTLE -- The Dodgers opted to shorten up their starting pitchers the past couple of days, with an eye on having them available for the best-of-three NL Wild Card Series that begins Tuesday. That was not the case with Clayton Kershaw , who took the mound for the final regular-season start of his career on Sunday.

Kershaw also figures to be used in relief in the postseason, as long as the Dodgers advance past the Wild Card round. He made his first appearance out of the bullpen since 2019 on Wednesday in Arizona, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. While he seemed likely to be an innings-eater for L.A. in the postseason, he could possibly be used in a short-burst role as well.

Kershaw announced earlier this month that he will retire after the 2025 season . His 451st career start, which

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