Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected obstacle on his road to recovery following shoulder surgery. Despite initial progress, a recent setback has put his return to the mound on hold.
Recovery Hits a Snag
Kershaw, who underwent surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been diligently working through the rehab process. He made his first rehab start recently, pitching three innings and throwing 36 pitches. However, plans for a second rehab start on Tuesday have been scrapped due to "lingering soreness" in his shoulder.
An MRI revealed no new incidents, which provides some relief, but Kershaw will not be throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up again. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation, saying, "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."
Expectations for Return
In order for the Dodgers to seriously consider activating Kershaw to the big-league roster, he would need to be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches. Given the current schedule and his recent setback, a return sometime in August seems to be the most optimistic outlook.
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."
Injuries Plague Dodgers' Pitching Staff
Kershaw’s predicament is just one chapter in a season overwhelmed by injuries for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The team began the season with Walker Buehler on the injured list. Bobby Miller also endured a lengthy stint on the injured list. Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entirety of the year sidelined. Adding to their woes, the team recently placed Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the list of injured pitchers.
Dodgers' Strong Performance Continues
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have maintained an impressive performance this season. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record and an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. This is a testament to the depth and resilience of the roster, as they have managed to weather the storm of injuries and continue to dominate the division.
Kershaw’s return would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to an already strong team. As he takes this week off to rest and recover, the Dodgers and their fans will be eagerly awaiting his next steps. With an eye towards August, the hope is that the veteran pitcher can overcome this latest hurdle and make a triumphant return to the mound.