The Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered a significant setback in their pitching rotation as left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw faces an unexpected obstacle in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Kershaw, who underwent surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been sidelined again due to "lingering soreness."
Kershaw’s Rehab Setback
Having already completed one rehab start, Kershaw was scheduled to make a second start on Tuesday. However, the recurrence of pain has forced the Dodgers to shut him down temporarily. Kershaw will not be throwing for at least a week before any attempts to ramp back up can be made.
An MRI scan revealed no new incidents, offering some relief but not enough to expedite his return. Despite being a critical element in the Dodgers’ pitching staff, the decision prioritizes Kershaw's long-term health and future contributions to the team.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed 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." Roberts 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."
Meeting Big-League Expectations
In his initial rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches, showcasing flashes of his legendary ability. However, for the Dodgers to seriously consider activating him to the big-league roster, Kershaw needs to be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches. This benchmark underscores the need for a gradual and cautious approach to his recovery.
Fans and team officials alike hope for his return sometime in August, a timeline contingent on his ability to progressively build stamina and avoid further setbacks.
Dodgers’ Season-Long Pitching Woes
Kershaw’s struggles are a microcosm of a season plagued by injuries within the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, while Bobby Miller also endured a lengthy stint on the sidelines. The persistent injuries have seen Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin miss the entirety of the season so far. Most recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was added to the growing list of injured pitchers.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have impressively maintained their lead in the NL West. As of Monday, the team holds a 48-31 record and an 8.5-game lead, showcasing the depth and resilience of the roster.
A Waiting Game
The Dodgers and their fans remain in a state of cautious optimism as they await further updates on Kershaw's condition. His potential return could provide a significant boost to a team that has admirably weathered the storm of pitching injuries. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring Kershaw is fully fit and ready to contribute without risking further injury.
Clayton Kershaw’s journey back to the mound continues to be a story of resilience and patience, both for the player and the organization. The path to recovery is rarely linear, and this current setback serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in returning from major surgery.