Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Hits Setback in Recovery from Shoulder Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers' star pitcher Clayton Kershaw has encountered an unexpected hurdle in his recovery process following shoulder surgery. The left-handed ace, who underwent surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has been temporarily shut down due to "lingering soreness."
Kershaw's journey back to the mound had been progressing positively. He had completed his first rehab start, pitching three innings and throwing 36 pitches. A second rehab outing was scheduled for Tuesday. However, the recent setback will delay his return, as he won’t be throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up.
This development is part of the recovery journey for many athletes undergoing rehab and surgery, as acknowledged by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "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. 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."
An MRI scan offered a bit of relief for Kershaw and the team, revealing no new incidents. This suggests that while the soreness is a concern, it is not indicative of a more significant problem.
Requirements for Activation
For Kershaw to be seriously considered for activation to the Dodgers’ big league roster, he would need to demonstrate the ability to finish at least five innings and throw around 75 pitches. His current status indicates that it might still be some time before he can meet these criteria.
The earliest timeline for Kershaw’s potential return is sometime in August, although this will depend on how his shoulder responds to the resumed rehabilitation process. His absence has been a significant blow to the Dodgers' pitching staff, which has struggled with injuries throughout the season.
Challenges Facing the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
Kershaw's setback is a continuation of a challenging year for the Dodgers' pitchers. The team has faced a spate of injuries that have left their rotation and bullpen depleted. At the beginning of the season, Walker Buehler was already on the injured list, and he has been joined by several other key pitchers over the months.
Bobby Miller endured a lengthy stint on the injured list, while Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entire year sidelined. Most recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was added to the growing list of injured pitchers. This string of injuries has tested the depth and resilience of the Dodgers' roster.
Current Team Performance
Despite these obstacles, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a strong position in the standings. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record and boast an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. This remarkable performance amidst such adversity speaks to the depth and talent within the organization, as well as the leadership of manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers will continue to rely on their remaining healthy arms while eagerly anticipating the return of their injured stars. The team and fans alike hope that Kershaw’s next attempt to ramp up his throwing progresses without further setbacks and that his eventual return will bolster the Dodgers’ push for the postseason.