Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has encountered an unexpected setback in his recovery following shoulder surgery. Kershaw, who underwent surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been experiencing "lingering soreness" after making his first rehab start and preparing for a second scheduled outing.
As a result, Kershaw has been shut down and will not be throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up. Despite this setback, an MRI revealed no new incidents, offering a glimmer of hope that the situation may not be as severe as initially feared.
Kershaw's Recovery Timeline
In his initial rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches, a significant step towards a potential return to the big leagues. However, for the Dodgers to consider activating him to the major league roster, Kershaw would need to demonstrate the ability to finish at least five innings and throw around 75 pitches.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on 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 Dodgers are cautiously optimistic that Kershaw could return sometime in August, provided his recovery progresses without further complications.
Injury Woes for the Dodgers
Kershaw's setback adds to the Dodgers' challenging season on the injury front. The team's pitching staff has been riddled with injuries, impacting their rotation and bullpen depth. Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint on it as well.
Additionally, Clayton Kershaw, 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 injured pitchers, compounding the team's struggles. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain an impressive record of 48-31 as of Monday.
Currently, the Dodgers hold an 8.5-game lead in the NL West, a testament to the depth and resilience of the roster. The team's ability to weather the storm of injuries while remaining competitive speaks volumes about their overall strength and determination.
Looking Ahead
As Clayton Kershaw continues his road to recovery, the Dodgers will closely monitor his progress and hope for a swift return to the mound. Kershaw's presence would undeniably boost the team's rotation as they push towards the postseason.
In the meantime, the Dodgers will rely on their remaining healthy arms and possibly explore additional options to bolster their pitching staff. The resilience and adaptability of the team will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without some of their key pitchers.
The path to recovery for any athlete is seldom straightforward, and Kershaw's journey is no different. With careful management and a bit of luck, the Dodgers will likely see their ace back on the mound, contributing to their postseason aspirations.
For now, the Dodgers and their fans will remain patient, optimistic that this recent setback is merely a bump in the road for Clayton Kershaw.