Dodgers' Kershaw Faces Setback in Recovery from Shoulder Surgery
Left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has hit an unexpected obstacle in his rehabilitation journey following shoulder surgery. The Dodgers ace, who underwent a significant procedure last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, has encountered "lingering soreness" that has forced him to halt his throwing regimen.
Kershaw had been making steady progress, having already completed one rehab start and was gearing up for a second scheduled outing on Tuesday. However, the persistent discomfort has led to a temporary shutdown. An MRI provided some relief, revealing no new injuries, yet caution remains the guiding principle for the Dodgers' medical team.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, 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." He acknowledged that such setbacks are often inevitable, saying, "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 now, Kershaw is not expected to resume throwing for at least a week. Once he does, the path to rejoining the big-league roster will require additional ramp-up time. In his initial rehab game, Kershaw pitched three innings and threw 36 pitches. To consider him for activation, the Dodgers will need to see him extend his outings to at least five innings and around 75 pitches.
Barring any further setbacks, Kershaw could potentially return sometime in August, providing a much-needed boost to a Dodgers pitching staff that has been plagued by injuries this season. The list of sidelined pitchers reads like a who's who of the Dodgers' rotation. Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, joined by Bobby Miller, who also had a lengthy absence. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Kershaw himself have yet to pitch this season. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto added his name to the unfortunate roster of injured pitchers.
Despite the litany of injuries, the Dodgers have managed to keep their heads above water. As of Monday, they boast a 48-31 record and hold a comfortable 8.5-game lead in the NL West. Their ability to maintain such performance amidst adversity speaks volumes about the depth and resilience of the team.
Fans and team officials alike are hopeful for a swift and complete recovery for Kershaw, whose experience and prowess on the mound are irreplaceable. The Dodgers’ playoff aspirations could well hinge on the successful return of their veteran pitcher.
The road to recovery is fraught with unpredictable turns, but Kershaw’s determination and the support of the Dodgers organization will undoubtedly play crucial roles in his comeback. For now, patience and careful management are key as the Dodgers navigate this challenging stretch of the season.