Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw is facing an unexpected challenge in his ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery. The left-handed pitcher, who had surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been sidelined once again due to "lingering soreness."
Kershaw, who had already made one rehab start and was on track for a second, has been shut down temporarily. The plan now requires him to refrain from throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up. An MRI has fortunately revealed no new incidents, allowing some respite for both Kershaw and the Dodgers faithful.
Rehabilitation and Setbacks
In his initial rehab outing, Kershaw managed to pitch three innings, delivering 36 pitches. While this was a positive step, the soreness that followed has prompted the team to exercise caution. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, "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."
The goal for Kershaw remains clear: he must be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches for the Dodgers to seriously consider activating him to the big-league roster. Given the ongoing recovery timeline, a potential return could be on the horizon sometime in August.
An Injury-Prone Staff
The Dodgers have been plagued by injuries to their pitching staff throughout the season. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint on the sidelines as well. The trio of Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin has spent the entirety of the year on the injured list, adding to the team’s woes. Recently, promising pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to this daunting list of absences.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain an impressive record. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record, boasting an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. This resilience speaks volumes about the depth and determination of the roster, yet underscores the pressing need for the return of their key players, particularly on the mound.
Looking Forward
For the Dodgers, every step in Kershaw’s rehabilitation is crucial. His experience and skill make him a cornerstone of their pitching staff. The challenges he's currently facing are part of the delicate recovery process, and both he and the team must navigate it carefully to avoid further set-backs. As the season progresses, the Dodgers look forward to reintegrating their star pitcher, hoping he can contribute significantly down the stretch.
The path to recovery is never straightforward, but with no new damage indicated by the recent MRI, there remains hope. Kershaw's discipline, combined with the cautious oversight from the medical and coaching staff, should eventually see him back in the Dodgers' rotation, aiming to help the team extend their stronghold on the NL West and push deep into the postseason.