Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is facing a setback in his road to recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery. The left-handed ace, who has always been a pivotal figure for the team's rotation, has been halted in his rehab process due to lingering soreness.
Kershaw Shut Down After Rehab Start
Kershaw had previously made one rehab start and was scheduled for a second stint on Tuesday. However, this plan has been put on hold as he will cease throwing activities for at least a week to address the ongoing soreness. An MRI scan has shown no new incidents, providing some relief to the team and its fans.
The November surgery addressed repairs to the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. Despite this, the recovery process is proving to be more complex than initially anticipated. "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," noted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The manager 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."
Steps to a Full Recovery
In his first rehab outing, Kershaw managed to pitch three innings and threw 36 pitches. For Kershaw to be considered for activation back to the major-league roster, he would need to extend his innings to at least five and increase his pitch count to approximately 75. This milestone is essential for both Kershaw's endurance and the team’s confidence in his full recovery.
The potential timeline for his return currently points towards sometime in August. However, this will highly depend on his recovery progress over the coming weeks and his ability to pitch without discomfort.
Injuries Plague Dodgers Pitching Staff
Kershaw’s situation adds to a litany of injuries that have hobbled the Dodgers' pitching staff throughout the season. Notably, Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, enduring a long recovery process. Bobby Miller also had an extended stint on the injured list, and other foundational arms like Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin have yet to pitch this year.
The injury woes didn’t end there. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the crowded injured list, further complicating the Dodgers' pitching depth. Despite these significant challenges, the Dodgers have managed to hold an impressive 48-31 record as of Monday. Maintaining an 8.5-game lead in the NL West attests to the team's resilience and depth, even as they navigate these turbulent times.
Looking Ahead
With the postseason on the horizon, the Dodgers will be keen to get their star pitcher back in action. Clayton Kershaw has been an essential leader and performer for the team, capable of delivering under the pressure of crucial matches. His potential return in August would be a timely boost as the race for the playoffs intensifies.
For now, Kershaw will focus on his rehabilitation, hoping to overcome this hurdle and regain his dominant form. The Dodgers’ faithful will be waiting patiently, optimistic that their ace will once again take the mound and lead their team towards another successful campaign.