Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, a pivotal left-hander, has hit an unexpected bump in his recovery journey following shoulder surgery. It has been revealed that Kershaw, who has already completed one rehabilitation start and was scheduled for another on Tuesday, must halt his throwing due to “lingering soreness.”
Kershaw’s Recovery Halted Due to Soreness
Dodgers fans were initially optimistic about the star pitcher’s return to form after he successfully pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches in his first rehab outing. However, this hope has now been tempered. Kershaw will not resume throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up again. Despite this unwelcome delay, an MRI has shown there are no new incidents. This gives the organization and fans some consolation regarding his long-term outlook.
Reflecting on the situation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "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."
Surgery and Initial Progress
Kershaw underwent shoulder surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. The procedure was extensive, and the road back to the mound was always expected to be arduous. Kershaw’s capacity to progress from his current state to pitching at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches will be the key metric for the Dodgers to think seriously about his reactivation to the big-league roster.
Potential Return Timeline
With a week off from throwing and subsequent ramp-up period still ahead, Kershaw could potentially return sometime in August. This forecast is tentative and hinges greatly on how his shoulder responds once he picks up his rehabilitation efforts again. The Dodgers would undoubtedly benefit from his presence as they navigate the second half of the MLB season.
Dodgers’ Injury Woes
Kershaw’s setback adds to the litany of concerns surrounding the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which has been beleaguered by injuries this season. Walker Buehler, another integral part of the rotation, started the season on the injured list. Bobby Miller has also had a prolonged stint on the injured list. The challenges have compounded as Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entirety of the year on the injured list. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto also joined the list of sidelined pitchers, further exacerbating the team’s pitching predicament.
Team Performance and Season Outlook
Despite the rampant injuries, the Dodgers have managed to perform admirably, holding a 48-31 record as of Monday. This record is good enough to afford them an 8.5-game lead in the NL West, a testament to the depth and resilience of their roster. However, the importance of getting their ace, Kershaw, back cannot be understated as they chase postseason success.
The team’s endurance through these adversities will continue to be tested as they push through the latter part of the season. Their ability to manage and minimize the impact of injuries will be crucial. As Kershaw continues his recovery journey, all eyes will be on how well he bounces back from this latest setback. Dodgers fans and the baseball community will undoubtedly keep their fingers crossed, hoping for a swift and smooth return for one of the game’s most distinguished pitchers.