Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw finds himself in an unexpected setback on his road to recovery following shoulder surgery.
Originally scheduled to make his second rehab start on Tuesday, Kershaw has been shut down due to "lingering soreness." Despite having already made one rehab start, the veteran pitcher won’t be throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up.
An MRI has revealed no new incidents, offering a glimmer of hope. Kershaw’s surgery last November addressed the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. In his first rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches, a modest start toward his return.
Managerial Perspective
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the situation as part of the natural progression. "This is part of the process as far as anyone that goes through rehab, that goes through a surgery, and is on his way back," he said. "It's not surprising. It's not perfect, but it's not surprising in the fact that there is a little bit of a regression in the throwing process."
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
For the Dodgers to seriously consider activating Kershaw to the big-league roster, he would need to be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches. Given the current timeline, Kershaw could make a return sometime in August, assuming there are no additional setbacks.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been riddled with injuries this season. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, while Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint sidelined. Kershaw, along with Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, have spent the entirety of the year on the injured list. Most recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to the list of ailing pitchers.
Dodgers' Performance Amid Injuries
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have managed to perform admirably. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record and maintain an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. This resilience underscores the depth and versatility of the team, even while dealing with a deluge of injuries.
Kershaw's return is highly anticipated, not only for his talent but also for the morale boost his presence brings to the team. His career has been marked by both individual excellence and service as a cornerstone of the Dodgers' pitching rotation. The team and its fans eagerly await his recovery and the stability he can provide upon his return.
While the path ahead includes significant hurdles, the Dodgers have faced and overcome adversity throughout the season. Kershaw’s situation, reflected in the cautious yet hopeful tone of Dave Roberts’ statements, mirrors the resilience of the team as a whole. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining not just Kershaw’s status but also the overall trajectory of the Dodgers' season.