Clayton Kershaw's Rehab Setback Adds to Dodgers' Pitching Woes
Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has encountered an unexpected obstacle in his rehabilitation process following shoulder surgery. Kershaw, who had already made one rehab start and was scheduled for a second on Tuesday, has been shut down due to "lingering soreness." As a result, he won't be throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp back up.
An MRI revealed no new incidents, providing some relief to the Dodgers' organization. Kershaw underwent surgery last November, which repaired the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder.
Rehabilitation Roadblocks
In his first rehab outing, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches. For the Dodgers to seriously consider activating him to the big-league roster, he would need to be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches. Despite his setback, there's a possibility Kershaw could return sometime in August.
"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," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "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."
Injury-Plagued Pitching Staff
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been significantly affected by injuries this season. Walker Buehler started the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller had a lengthy stint on the same list. Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the entirety of the year on the injured list, and recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to the list of injured pitchers.
Current Standings
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a solid performance on the field. As of Monday, the Dodgers hold a 48-31 record, boasting an 8.5-game lead in the NL West. This dominance in the standings is a testament to the depth and resilience of the team.
Kershaw's potential return in August could provide a much-needed boost to the Dodgers' rotation, especially as they make a push towards the postseason. However, the priority remains his long-term health and ensuring that he is fully recovered before making his return to the mound.
Stay tuned for further updates on Clayton Kershaw's recovery and the Dodgers' ongoing battle with injuries as the season progresses.