Clayton Kershaw’s Road to Recovery Hits a Snag
In a season marred by injuries for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff, left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has encountered another obstacle in his diligent recovery following shoulder surgery. Kershaw, who had surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been sidelined due to "lingering soreness," just as he seemed primed for a return to the mound.
After already completing one rehab start and scheduling a second for Tuesday, Kershaw’s comeback has been halted. According to team sources, he will not be throwing for at least a week to allow the soreness to subside before attempting to ramp back up. Despite the disappointing setback, an MRI has fortunately revealed no new incidents.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts weighed in on the situation with a measured perspective, 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." He added, "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."
First Rehab Start Shows Promise
Kershaw’s initial rehab outing offered glimpses of his potential readiness, as the veteran pitcher managed to last through three innings, throwing 36 pitches. For the Dodgers to seriously consider activating Kershaw to the big-league roster, he needs to be capable of pitching at least five innings and executing around 75 pitches. Optimistically, there is still a possibility for Kershaw to rejoin the team sometime in August, provided his recovery proceeds without further setbacks.
A Season Plagued by Injuries
Throughout the 2023 season, the Dodgers' pitching staff has been significantly impacted by injuries. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint there as well. Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entirety of the year sidelined. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to the list of injured pitchers, further compounding the challenges faced by the team.
Despite these adversities, the Dodgers have managed to maintain an impressive performance on the field. As of Monday, the team holds a 48-31 record, boasting an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. The resilience and depth of the roster have been pivotal to the team’s continued success, even as they await the return of their injured pitchers.
Looking Ahead
The lingering soreness experienced by Kershaw serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of recovery from major surgery. It underscores the importance of patience and careful management in the rehabilitation process to mitigate the risk of aggravating the injury. For Kershaw, the next week of rest will be crucial, as it will allow him to address the soreness and hopefully resume his throwing program without further issues.
The Dodgers’ ability to navigate this injury-laden season speaks volumes about their organizational depth and the leadership within the clubhouse. Manager Dave Roberts’ cautious optimism and realistic approach to Kershaw’s recovery reflect a broader understanding of the complexities involved in returning from such a significant injury.
While the timeline for Kershaw’s return remains uncertain, the Dodgers and their fans can remain hopeful that the left-hander will be able to contribute to the team’s efforts in the latter part of the season. As the team continues to pursue its championship aspirations, every player's health and readiness will be essential to their quest for success.