"This is a place I don't like" - Clayton Kershaw keeps it real about return to Minute Maid Park as Dodgers take on Astros

Future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw doesn't like to play against the Houston Astros, especially on their home turf, Minute Maid Park. But that's what his team is on schedule to do: play the weekend series against bitter rivals who, as per many Dodgers players, allegedly cheated their way to win the 2017 World Series against the LA Dodgers.

Upon being asked how he feels about returning to Minute Maid Park for the weekend series, Kershaw vented his feelings while recalling memories from the controversial 2017 World Series.

"I don't like coming here," Kershaw said. "I don't like rolling up and seeing the 2017 ring in front of their stadium. I probably don't do a good job of dealing with things that affect me, in general, long term. So I think re-living some of this stuff - some people will say it's healthy. It doesn't help me. It doesn't make me feel good to talk about it.

"It's not like it's life-altering – like something terrible with your family. I don't want to put it in a category like that. As far as careers go, jobs go - this is a place I just don't like," the southpaw added.

The 36-year-old Kershaw is not the only one to feel this way, as will many players from the 2017 roster who were defeated by the Astros for the ring, only to later know that their players allegedly stole signs to get there.

Clayton Kershaw reflects on his first start of the 2024 season

Clayton Kershaw against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium - Source: Imagn

Clayton Kershaw finally made a major league return on Thursday after spending most of the summer recovering from shoulder surgery. However, he wasn't at his best in his start against the San Francisco Giants, throwing four innings for two runs.

He allowed six hits and had a 30+ pitch outing in the third, which limited his time on the mound as he was on pitch limit restriction. However, a few positive signs from his outing was his curveball, which had its old drop, and his ability to strikeout hitters, punching out six hitters.

“But first time back out, I’ll take it,” Kershaw said.

“There’s a lot of people in here that spent a lot of time with me to help me get back. People back home as well helped,” Kershaw added via MLB.com. “This was really cool that a lot of people cared so much to help me. And for me personally to go back out and pitch at Dodger Stadium, not that I ever did before, but I’m not going to take that for granted ever again.”

If everything goes well, Clayton Kershaw will make his next start against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.