Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected setback on his path to recovering from shoulder surgery. The revered pitcher, who has already made one rehab start and was scheduled for a second outing on Tuesday, has been sidelined due to "lingering soreness." As a consequence, Kershaw will not be throwing for at least a week before attempting to resume his recovery program.
An MRI offered some relief by revealing no new injuries, but the road ahead remains uncertain for the seasoned ace. Kershaw underwent a surgical procedure last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. His first rehab start saw him pitch three innings and throw 36 pitches, a modest milestone in what promised to be a methodical comeback.
Kershaw’s journey back to the mound, however, now faces a potentially significant delay. For the Dodgers to activate him to the big-league roster, Kershaw must be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches, a standard he has yet to meet given the current interruption in his recovery.
Managerial Insight
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided perspective on the setback, remarking, "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." Roberts continued, adding, "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." His comments underscore the inherent unpredictability of recovery from major surgery, even for an athlete of Kershaw's caliber.
A Season Plagued by Injuries
This season, the Dodgers' pitching staff has been beleaguered by injuries. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller also endured a lengthy stint on the sidelines. In addition to Kershaw, both Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entire year on the injured list. As recently as this week, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to the list of injured pitchers, compounding the team's challenges.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to post an impressive 48-31 record as of Monday. They currently hold a solid 8.5-game lead in the NL West, a testament to the team's depth and resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead
According to reports, Kershaw could potentially make his return sometime in August, although the precise timeline remains contingent on his progress over the next few weeks. The Dodgers will undoubtedly be cautious with their star pitcher, aiming to ensure that he is fully ready for the rigors of major league play before reactivating him.
The Dodgers' dominance in the NL West this season is remarkable, considering the swath of injuries that have plagued their pitching staff. Yet, with Walker Buehler, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and now Clayton Kershaw all absent for extended periods, maintaining this level of performance will be a considerable challenge.
Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching Kershaw's recovery, hopeful that the left-handed stalwart can overcome this latest hurdle. His absence has been keenly felt, and his return would provide a significant boost to the Dodgers as they aim for a deep postseason run.
For now, the Dodgers will continue to lean on their remaining pitchers and their potent offense, working to extend their lead in the NL West and secure a favorable position for the playoffs. The hope is that come August, the iconic left arm of Clayton Kershaw will once again be a formidable force on the mound, helping to drive the Dodgers toward championship glory.