Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw will need more time on the injured list than originally expected as he deals with left shoulder soreness, he said Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
-The later-than-anticipated return comes after Kershaw underwent an MRI. -The three-time Cy Young Award winner did not want to say what specifically was wrong, and added he feels fine, but said doctors want to give his shoulder time to “heal.” -Kershaw, 35, said early August is a fair timeline for him to return.
https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1679950532004249600
What this means for Los Angeles’ rotation?
It obviously puts an even bigger strain on the parts of the Dodgers’ rotation that hasn’t gone as expected. Dustin May is out for the year. Julio Urías hasn’t performed like the guy who got Cy Young votes the last couple years. Tony Gonsolin looks very little like his All-Star form of a year ago.
Los Angeles already has three rookies in its rotation right now and could get another soon as Ryan Pepiot starts a rehab assignment. — Ardaya
What’s next for Kershaw?
It’s a perplexing injury for Kershaw, who said Friday he doesn’t feel any discomfort while throwing. He is still playing catch and could throw a bullpen early next week in Baltimore. If not for him getting an MRI, he said, he might already be back and pitching.
But he will adhere to Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s advice and rest in what has been another brilliant season. He was on pace to get Cy Young votes for the first time since 2020. — Ardaya
Backstory
In 16 starts this season, Kershaw has gone 10-4 with a 2.55 ERA.
When he was placed on the IL, both manager Dave Roberts and Kershaw said they were “very confident” the left-hander would be able to slot back into the Dodgers’ rotation after the All-Star break. He would be eligible to come off the injured list Saturday, the second game after the break, after the Dodgers backdated his placement the maximum three days to June 30.
Kershaw — who earned his 10th All-Star nod this season — was on pace to throw his most innings in a season since 2019, with 95 1/3 innings already to his name after just 126 1/3 a year ago.
Los Angeles is 51-38 this season, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for first in the National League West.
This guarantees that at least one big starter is going to be traded for. Initially it seemed Giolito was the right fit but maybe a more proven stopper is the aim now.