Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected snag in his road to recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery last November. Despite having made a promising start in his rehab process, Kershaw has been sidelined due to lingering soreness.
Kershaw, who had completed one rehab outing and was scheduled for a second on Tuesday, found himself shut down as a precautionary measure. The Dodgers have decided to give the seasoned pitcher a break from throwing for at least a week before he attempts to ramp back up.
An MRI performed on Kershaw’s shoulder revealed no new issues, providing a sigh of relief to both the team and fans. The surgery he underwent last November repaired the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, a procedure aimed at getting him back to his dominant form on the mound.
In his initial rehab start, Kershaw showcased his potential by pitching three innings and throwing a total of 36 pitches. However, the Dodgers coaching staff remains cautious about his return, emphasizing the need for Kershaw to be capable of pitching at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches before they can even contemplate his activation to the big-league roster.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation, stating, "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. 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."
The hopes are that Kershaw could make his return sometime in August, a crucial period as the Dodgers strive to solidify their position in the standings. The Dodgers have had their fair share of challenges on the pitching front this season, with a roster decimated by injuries. Among the notable names on the injured list are Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin. More recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto also joined the list of sidelined pitchers, exacerbating the team’s struggles.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to perform admirably on the field. As of Monday, they boast a 48-31 record and hold an 8.5-game lead in the highly competitive National League West. Their depth and resilience are clearly evident, but the return of a player of Kershaw’s caliber would provide a significant boost.
The injuries to the pitching staff have shone a spotlight on the organization's ability to adapt and cope under pressure. Young arms have been called upon to fill the void left by seasoned veterans. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the rotation has added an element of unpredictability to the Dodgers' season. The potential return of Kershaw would not just be a morale boost but a strategic advantage as the team gears up for the latter part of the season and the playoffs.
Kershaw's journey back to the mound is being monitored closely, and his experience and leadership are invaluable to the Dodgers' aspirations. The entire baseball community is eager to see one of the game's top pitchers make a successful comeback. For now, the Dodgers and their fans remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that the week of rest will be enough for Kershaw to overcome the soreness and resume his path back to full strength.