Kershaw Hits Roadblock in Rehab Process
In a surprising development, Los Angeles Dodgers' left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has encountered a setback on his path to recovery from shoulder surgery. After completing one rehab start and gearing up for another, Kershaw has been sidelined due to persistent soreness.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the issue, 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. 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, who underwent surgery in November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, won’t be throwing for at least a week as he deals with the lingering soreness. An MRI revealed no new incidents, easing concerns about any potential significant damage.
In his first rehab outing, Kershaw showcased promising form, pitching three innings and throwing 36 pitches. However, for the Dodgers to consider reactivating him to the big-league roster, Kershaw will need to be able to pitch at least five innings and throw around 75 pitches.
The Dodgers are hopeful that Kershaw could return sometime in August, but his immediate future remains uncertain as he navigates this recent obstacle.
Injury Woes Plague Dodgers' Pitching Staff
Kershaw’s setback adds to a string of injuries that have plagued the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Kershaw, along with Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, have spent the entirety of the year out of action. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto also joined the growing list of injured pitchers.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a strong performance. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record and lead the NL West by 8.5 games.
Kershaw, a pivotal figure in the Dodgers’ roster, has been a reliable presence on the mound for several years. His return is eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike. The Dodgers will be keen to reintegrate him into the rotation as soon as possible, but they will also be cautious to ensure he makes a full recovery to avoid any further setbacks.
As the Dodgers continue to navigate a season filled with injury setbacks, Kershaw’s recovery remains a priority. The team’s depth has been tested, but their resilience has kept them in a strong position within their division. All eyes will be on Kershaw’s progress over the coming weeks as he works toward making a full return to the mound.