Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected hurdle in his recovery journey following his shoulder surgery, casting a shadow over his eagerly anticipated return to the mound.
Kershaw, who had his shoulder surgically repaired last November, was progressing well with one rehab start under his belt and a second scheduled for Tuesday. However, "lingering soreness" has forced the Dodgers to shut him down for at least a week before he can begin throwing again.
Despite the setback, an MRI has revealed no new issues. Kershaw’s surgery addressed damage to the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. In his first rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches, demonstrating the initial signs of recovery that had fans hopeful for his swift return.
Recovery Challenges
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided some solace, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of post-surgery rehabilitation. "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 said. "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."
For Kershaw to make a successful comeback, he must be able to finish at least five innings and throw around 75 pitches. This benchmark is crucial for the Dodgers to seriously consider activating him to the big-league roster. With the current timeline, Kershaw could potentially rejoin the team sometime in August.
Injury Woes for the Dodgers
The Dodgers have not been strangers to injury troubles this season, as their pitching staff has been significantly undermined. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, closely followed by Bobby Miller, who endured a lengthy stint himself. Kershaw, alongside Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, has spent the entirety of the year on the injured list, adding to the team’s challenges.
Recently, the injury woes deepened further with Yoshinobu Yamamoto being added to the list of sidelined pitchers. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have shown resilience, holding a commendable 48-31 record as of Monday. This record has secured them an 8.5-game lead in the NL West, underscoring the depth and perseverance of the team amidst a tumultuous season.
A Glimmer of Hope
Although Kershaw’s setback is a disappointment, his potential return in August provides a glimmer of hope for a Dodgers team that has persevered through a challenging season riddled with injuries. Fans eagerly anticipate the day when he can finally step back onto the mound, bringing his experience and remarkable talent to bolster the team’s efforts down the crucial stretch of the season.
Kershaw's journey through recovery remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports injuries and the rigorous process of healing and rebuilding strength. The Dodgers, alongside their fanbase, continue to rally behind Kershaw, providing him with the support needed for a strong and healthy return.