Clayton Kershaw delivers for Oklahoma City in a rehab start Friday against Round Rock. Kershaw is hopeful he can make his season debut with the Dodgers soon. (Angela Wang / For The Times)
Clayton Kershaw, the iconic left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to return to the mound after a protracted injury layoff. Kershaw, who has been a mainstay in the Dodgers’ rotation for over a decade, expressed his excitement about rejoining the team at a crucial juncture of the season.
A Crucial Return
The return of Kershaw comes at an important moment as the Dodgers prepare for a postseason run. The team has struggled with injuries throughout the season, particularly within their pitching rotation. Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers’ front office are hopeful that Kershaw’s experience and skill will provide the stability the rotation desperately needs.
“I’m excited to get back,” Kershaw said before the Dodgers faced the Giants. “It’s been a long time. Longest time I’ve ever spent not pitching in a big league game. Obviously, once you get back out there you’ve just got to perform.”
Injury and Rehabilitation
Kershaw’s absence was due to offseason shoulder surgery. Initially, there were concerns about the timeline for his recovery, but the lefty remained optimistic. At the start of spring training, Kershaw had targeted July or August for his return, a goal he has successfully met.
Despite experiencing some setbacks, including lingering soreness that caused a temporary shutdown in June, Kershaw managed to complete his rehabilitation schedule. He made three rehab starts, with his final outing for Triple-A Oklahoma City where he pitched four innings, throwing 67 pitches and allowing three runs and six hits.
Guarded Optimism
Roberts has indicated that the team will be cautious with Kershaw’s pitch count as he transitions back into the rotation. “The most important part is getting him built up and ready for October,” Roberts said. “It has been a long process for him, and we’ve got coverage, so whatever happens, we’ll be prepared for that.”
Kershaw’s performance last season, where he went 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA despite pitching with shoulder pain, underscores his resilience and determination to contribute to the team’s success.
Current Rotation Challenges
The Dodgers’ rotation has faced numerous challenges this season. Injuries have sidelined key pitchers, including Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Buehler is about to start a minor league rehab stint, and we expect Yamamoto to return possibly by late August.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have remained competitive, thanks in part to contributions from rookie pitchers. The team boasts a 27-18 record when a rookie starts, with standout performances from Gavin Stone and Landon Knack.
Roster Moves
In addition to Kershaw’s activation, the Dodgers have made significant roster adjustments. They signed veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed and placed infielder Miguel Rojas on the 10-day injured list. These moves are aimed at bolstering the team’s depth as they head into the final stretch of the season.
