Dodgers' Kershaw Faces Another Setback in Recovery
Los Angeles Dodgers' seasoned left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected roadblock in his recovery journey following shoulder surgery. Originally poised to make a second rehab start on Tuesday, Kershaw's progress has come to a halt due to lingering soreness in his throwing shoulder.
Kershaw, who had already completed one rehab start, will now be sidelined from throwing for at least a week before he can attempt to ramp back up. An MRI scan, however, revealed no new incidents, offering a small sigh of relief for the Dodgers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the setback, 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."
Kershaw's Rehab Progress
Kershaw's surgery, performed last November, aimed to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. During his first rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches, a promising start that now feels bittersweet given the recent complications. For the Dodgers to seriously consider activating Kershaw to the major league roster, he would need to demonstrate the capability of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches.
Turbulent Times for Dodgers' Pitching Staff
Injuries have plagued the Dodgers' pitching roster throughout the season. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, followed by lengthy stints from Bobby Miller. Alongside Kershaw, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin have also spent the entire year on the injured list. Most recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was added to the growing list of injured pitchers, adding further pressure on the team's depth and resilience.
Impact on the Team
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have maintained an impressive 48-31 record, securing an 8.5-game lead in the NL West as of Monday. The team’s resilience is a testament to their depth and determination, although the extended absence of key pitchers like Kershaw raises questions about their capacity to sustain this momentum.
Dodgers fans and players alike will be eagerly watching Kershaw's next steps as he aims for a return, potentially in August, contingent on his recovery trajectory. The implications of his return are significant, potentially offering a much-needed boost to a pitching staff that has been under relentless strain this season.
As Kershaw navigates this latest chapter in his storied career, the Dodgers continue to adapt and persevere, showcasing their caliber as one of the league’s premier teams. For now, all eyes remain on Kershaw’s recovery, with hopes pinned on a swift and successful return to the mound.