With Clayton Kershaw now a member of the 3,000-strikeout club, the focus shifts to the next pitchers who might achieve this milestone. Currently, only four active pitchers have surpassed 2,000 strikeouts, but injuries complicate their journeys. Chris Sale leads with 2,528 strikeouts but is sidelined with a fractured rib. Gerrit Cole, with 2,251 strikeouts, is out for the season due to elbow surgery. Charlie Morton and Yu Darvish are also in pursuit but face challenges due to age and injury.

Aaron Nola and Robbie Ray, both possessing impressive strikeout rates, might be contenders if they can avoid injuries. Newly emerging talents like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes show promise but face the daunting task of maintaining performance and health over many seasons. The road to 3,000 strikeouts is fraught with uncertainty, making each pitch critical.

Clayton Kershaw has officially joined the prestigious 3,000-strikeout club, making him only the 20th pitcher in history to reach this milestone. Achieving this mark is particularly significant as Kershaw is part of a select group whose members have all debuted in the league post-1959, highlighting the evolution of pitching prowess in modern baseball.

Kershaw stands out not only for his strikeouts but also for his impressive metrics: he boasts the highest winning percentage at .697 and the best ERA+ (155) amongst the 3K pitchers. His ability to maintain a game score average of 61.9 and a quality start percentage of 68% further cements his legacy.

Despite having the fewest career innings among those with 3,000 strikeouts, Kershaw's efficiency and dominance set him apart. He is currently ranked 11th in terms of FWP (Fielding Win Probability) among the elite pitchers listed. With Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer all active, the question arises: who will add their name to this impressive list next?

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is on the brink of a significant milestone, needing just three more strikeouts to reach 3,000, a feat achieved by only 19 other pitchers in MLB history. Likely to accomplish this at home in front of the Los Angeles Dodgers fans, this achievement represents both a celebration and a poignant reflection on Kershaw's illustrious career. As one of the last of a generation known for throwing extensive innings, Kershaw’s recent performance has shown he's still capable, boasting a 4-0 record with a 3.03 ERA after returning from injury.

However, with the decline in durability among pitchers and the increasing prevalence of injuries, including Tommy John surgeries, Kershaw’s achievement raises questions about the future of longevity in pitching. As he, along with contemporaries like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, nears the end of their careers, the landscape of baseball pitching excellence seems to be shifting. The transition poses a challenge for newer pitchers, who face tougher conditions and higher velocities, potentially threatening the accumulation of traditional milestones like 200 career wins or 3,000 strikeouts.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, fantasy managers are keenly watching emerging talents among starting pitchers, notably David Festa, Justin Verlander, and Brandon Walter. Festa, recently boasting a stellar outing against the Tigers, still carries concerns with his command and susceptibility to the long ball. His strikeout potential makes him an intriguing waiver wire target despite the risks associated with his fastball and slider.

Verlander, once a dominant force, is struggling to regain his peak form. A recent quality start against the White Sox raises questions about his viability in fantasy leagues, as he continues to battle inconsistency and a deteriorating fastball. On the other hand, Walter has shown promise, earning quality starts despite previous hiccups, making him a potential addition for managers seeking depth in pitching.

As July approaches, MLB's action heats up with 11 games on the slate, starting with the first pitch at 1:35 p.m. EDT. Pitchers to consider for daily fantasy lineups include Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies, who boasts an impressive 1.17 ERA over his last nine starts, facing a struggling Atlanta Braves lineup. Frankie Montas of the New York Mets is also a viable option against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who rank near the bottom in runs scored. Justin Verlander, still seeking his first win this season, may find relief facing the Chicago White Sox, a team struggling offensively.

Among the top hitting options, Christian Yelich has demonstrated solid performance with a .969 OPS in recent weeks. Tyler Soderstrom remains a budget-friendly pick, with a strong showing of 14 home runs and solid slugging against right-handers. Bargain bats include José Altuve, who’s shown potential against righties, despite recent struggles against left-handed pitching.

Consider stacking players from the Tampa Bay Rays against Dean Kremer's vulnerable pitching. Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, and Jonathan Aranda present a formidable trio. For a matchup against Luis Severino, the Yankees’ lineup featuring Jazz Chisholm, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham could yield high returns based on Severino’s recent form. Dive into the DFS lineup optimizer for tailored recommendations to maximize your fantasy potential.