Clayton Kershaw Questions Chicago White Sox’s Risky Decision to Steal Third Base During Sixth Inning Showdown Against Dodgers Wednesday Night

It takes a lot to rattle Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer has seen it all on the mound across his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But even Kershaw couldn’t hide his disbelief at what the Chicago White Sox attempted Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium—a decision that had baseball fans, analysts, and even players scratching their heads.

The moment came during the top of the sixth inning of what had, up to that point, been a tight, strategic battle between two struggling offenses. Kershaw, making his third start since returning from shoulder surgery, was cruising, keeping the White Sox lineup mostly off-balance with a mix of well-placed fastballs, sharp breaking balls, and his signature curve that continues to frustrate hitters well into his mid-thirties.

The Dodgers were clinging to a 2-1 lead when the White Sox’s leadoff hitter reached base with a solid single to right field. Kershaw, known for his precise control and ability to hold runners, appeared unfazed. The next batter grounded out, moving the runner to second base. With one out and a runner in scoring position, the White Sox had a chance to tie the game with a single — but then came the surprising, and as Kershaw later described it, “questionable,” decision.

On a 1-1 pitch, the runner took off for third, attempting to swipe the bag against one of the most fundamentally sound pitchers in the league. Dodgers catcher Will Smith, whose reputation for a quick release and accuracy is well-known, made a perfect throw across the diamond. Max Muncy applied the tag in time, and the runner was called out by a full step.

It was a moment that sucked the energy out of the White Sox dugout and reignited the crowd at Chavez Ravine. But for Kershaw, it wasn’t just about the momentum shift — it was about baseball logic.

After finishing the inning, Kershaw addressed the play during his mid-game interview with SportsNet LA, candidly questioning the White Sox’s aggressive baserunning tactics.

“Look, I’m all for being aggressive, trying to make something happen, especially when runs are hard to come by,” Kershaw began. “But stealing third with one out in a one-run game? Against a lefty with his back to you, and with one of the best defensive catchers in the game behind the plate? It’s a gamble, and tonight, they lost.”

The statistics back up Kershaw’s skepticism. Historically, stealing third base is one of the riskiest plays in baseball, with success rates hovering significantly lower than stealing second. And when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound, the odds drop even further. Kershaw’s deceptive pick-off move and Smith’s arm make that risk even less appealing.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol defended the decision postgame, stating, “We’re trying to be aggressive. We saw an opportunity, and sometimes you have to take calculated risks to spark your offense. It didn’t work this time, but I support our guys being fearless.”

While Grifol emphasized the intent behind the play, critics were quick to pile on. Baseball analysts took to social media questioning the strategy, with some calling it “reckless” and others labeling it as “desperation baseball” from a team struggling to stay afloat in the American League Central.

For the White Sox, the failed steal attempt was more than just an isolated baserunning mistake — it encapsulated the frustration of a season slipping away. Once considered a rising force in the AL, Chicago has endured inconsistency, injuries, and underwhelming performances across the roster. Their aggressive approach Wednesday night seemed to reflect the mounting pressure to manufacture runs by any means necessary.

Meanwhile, for Kershaw and the Dodgers, it was another example of how experience, discipline, and execution continue to be their hallmarks. Even as Kershaw battles back from surgery and navigates the later stages of his career, his baseball IQ and competitive edge remain as sharp as ever.

“That’s part of the game within the game,” Kershaw later told reporters. “Understanding situations, knowing who’s on the mound, who’s behind the plate, and weighing your options. I get trying to be aggressive, but sometimes you just have to let the at-bat play out.”

The Dodgers would go on to extend their lead in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on the White Sox’s misstep. Mookie Betts led off with a double, Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI single, and just like that, the lead ballooned to 3-1 — enough breathing room for the Dodgers bullpen to close out the game.

For Kershaw, the night ended on a high note. He threw six strong innings, allowed just one run, and struck out seven, showcasing the poise and consistency that has defined his legendary career. Though the conversation after the game largely centered on the White Sox’s baserunning gamble, it was Kershaw’s steady presence that dictated the evening’s outcome.

As the Dodgers continue to jockey for playoff positioning, games like Wednesday serve as a reminder of the margins that define a baseball season. One questionable decision, one mistimed steal, can swing momentum, influence the scoreboard, and potentially cost a team precious wins.

For the White Sox, the loss adds to a growing list of games where execution and decision-making have been called into question. Grifol, trying to maintain optimism, insisted that his team would continue to be aggressive, even amid scrutiny.

“We can’t play scared,” Grifol said. “We’ve got talented players, and I’d rather see them trying to make something happen than playing passive. But of course, we have to be smart. Tonight, maybe we pushed a little too far.”

Kershaw, ever the competitor but also a student of the game, offered a final reflection that summed up the night perfectly.

“That’s baseball,” he shrugged. “You take risks, sometimes they pay off, sometimes they don’t. We were ready, and tonight, we made the play.”

The Dodgers’ win keeps them steady atop the National League standings, while the White Sox are left to regroup, re-evaluate their aggressive approach, and prepare for the next challenge. Whether or not they dial back the baserunning remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — teams attempting to steal third against Clayton Kershaw and Will Smith might want to think twice.