Clayton Kershaw landed on the 15-day injured list a week ago, and it doesn’t seem his return is imminent. Manager Dave Roberts told Dani Wexelman of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM this afternoon that Kershaw was likely still a couple weeks from throwing a bullpen session (via Jon Morosi of MLB.com).
When Kershaw first went on the IL, there’d been optimism he could return after a minimal stint. The club wasn’t ruling out the three-time Cy Young winner from throwing a bullpen session this week, and there seemed a chance he’d avoid a minor league rehab appearance. Kershaw felt continued soreness while playing catch, however, meaning the progression will take longer than initially hoped.
It seems the earliest Kershaw will throw a bullpen session is now at the beginning of June. He’ll probably need multiple sessions before progressing to game action, and nearly a month will have passed since the time of his IL placement. That long a layoff probably necessitates a minor league appearance or two before Kershaw’s able to make it back to Dodger Stadium. With that in mind, mid-June would seem to be a rough target date for his possible return.
It still doesn’t seem the organization is too concerned, as Roberts said earlier this week that Kershaw would continue lightly throwing. His current injury is inflammation of the right SI joint in his hip, which is obviously less concerning than a possible arm issue would’ve been. Kershaw’s 2021 season was cut short by forearm/elbow concerns, but he avoided surgery and returned to the Dodgers on a one-year, $17MM deal over the winter.
Before the injury, the eight-time All-Star continue to dominate opposing hitters. He’s worked 30 innings across five starts, posting a 1.80 ERA. Despite no longer possessing high-end velocity, Kershaw has struck out an excellent 29.4% of batters faced on the strength of a solid 12% swinging strike rate. He’s also only walked three of his 109 opponents on the season, maintaining his pristine command.
Kershaw is slated to be a free agent once again at the end of the year. His stint on the open market last winter seemed to come down to a return to L.A. or joining his hometown Rangers. If he finishes the season healthy, Kershaw would again be one of the best pitchers available, and it stands to reason both the Dodgers and Rangers would have continued interest in signing him.
“If he finishes the season healthy…” If I win the lottery….
And fans wanted him to finish that perfect game lol. Remember people don’t ever listen to fans, they don’t know anything and are always wrong.
Looks like there would have been no harm. After all, it doesn’t look like pulling him after 70 pitches preserved anything
Still speculating on the Rangers, as if that was ever a thing? When rumors turn out to be untrue it’s time to let them die, not to revive them.
My cousin’s barber’s neighbor’s friend’s co-worker heard from his accountant’s sister’s parrot that Kershaw was *thisclose* to signing with the Rangers.
I never believe parrots, no matter how convincing they can be.
What if it was a gorilla using sign language? I heard Kershaw visited the Dallas Zoo this winter and was discussing his upcoming plans with his wife while they were there, and they have a gorilla who’s really good at reading lips and really bad about gossiping.
Gorilla my heart. I remember that old song.
A Los Karens comeback on the way.
What a beast! He should always go no sleeves and let’s everyone see the gun show
Such a shame to see one of the best pitchers of our generation limp into retirement. He’s just not built like Verlander or Scherzer; he won’t pitch into his 40’s like those two will. He’s still a first ballot hall of famer though.
The way he’s pitching shows no signs of limping. He’s taking it year by year and won’t pitch beyond when he can contribute. Whenever it is he can’t, that’s when he will call it a career.
He’s limping. Can’t stay healthy for any length of time.
I feel for Jacob deGrom , he might never see the HOF , great pitcher but lacks wins and can’t get healthy.
Verlander is just starting to throw after significant time off (3IP pitched since end of 2018 until beginning this season) and Scherzer was just injured too. So…?
Additionally through age 34 season (Kershaws currently year), between Scherzer, Verlander, and Kershaw he has effectively close to the same number of innings (everyone at age 34 season) and he might pitch more (knowing Kershaw he will find a way to). So I’d bet Kershaw will end up with more innings out of these three at the end of his career but it just depends. Time is undefeated and all of them were pitching great this year (Verlander easily the best).
Dorothy,
Look at Clayton’s era and whip, he is not limping. He is among the Cy Young front-runners despite missing a couple starts!
Now I do agree that he will either finish up this year or next year. He could hit 200 wins in April 2023 and 3000 K’s before 2023 is over. But if the Dodgers make it back to the World Series, he might decide that this year is enough.
He’ll come back, throw a couple games, and back to the IL for the year.
I wonder if he regrets coming out of the perfect game after 7. Coming out sure didn’t preserve his health.
Given my telepathic connection to Kershaw I can safely say not. Actually, no telepathic connection is required. You only need to know that Kershaw is and always has been an all-team sort of player.
If only he specifically addressed this… oh yeah he did
I was really hoping he’d be able to make the ASG this year since it’s in LA, but that’s just the way things go sometime. Get well Kershaw
I think the Dodgers knew they would be lucky to get 15 to 20 starts from Kershaw when they signed him.