The Dodgers officially re-signed Clayton Kershaw earlier today but it seems he won’t be helping them early in the season. He tells Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic that he expects to be on the 60-day injured list to start the year, likely returning about when those 60 days are up. That suggests he’s targeting a late May return.
Kershaw’s 2025 timeline has never been clear until now. He announced in early November that he would require some surgical work on his lower left leg. Part of that was due to a bone spur in the big toe on his left foot, which sent him to the IL last year. The surgeries would also address a ruptured plantar plate and a torn meniscus in his knee. It was never expressly laid out when Kershaw expected to return, though there’s now at least a vague target.
Players can be placed on the 60-day IL once pitchers and catchers report to spring training, so several players are already there, including Dodgers like Gavin Stone and River Ryan. Kershaw could follow them there but the 60-day count doesn’t begin until Opening Day. IL transactions can be backdated three days, so teams will only put guys on the 60-day if they don’t expect them to be healthy in the first 57 days of the season.
The Dodgers start the schedule a little bit earlier than most teams, as they and the Cubs are facing off in the Tokyo Series this year. Two regular season games between those teams will take place on March 18th and 19th, while the 28 other teams will play their first regular season game March 27.
The update from Kershaw makes the rotation picture a little less crowded in the short term. As of right now, the Dodgers project to have a six-man starting staff consisting of Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin. They will start the season with Shohei Ohtani acting as the designated hitter but not pitching. He didn’t pitch in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and also required surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in the fall. He is expected to be back on the mound in May and it seems Kershaw’s timeline is similar.
It’s theoretically possible the Dodgers will have too many rotation options at times this summer. Once Kershaw and Ohtani are back in the mix, they could have eight viable candidates for six spots. Sasaki and Gonsolin are the only two who can be optioned to the minors. It seems highly unlikely Sasaki will be sent down at any point, given that he’s already considered an ace-level talent. Gonsolin is also just 20 days away from five years of MLB service time, at which point he would have the right to refuse being optioned.
However, there are also health concerns all throughout the group, so it seems fair to wonder how often six or more of them will be healthy at any given time. May and Gonsolin missed all of 2024 recovering from surgery. Snell only pitched 104 innings last year and has only hit 130 twice in his career. Yamamoto’s first MLB season saw him spend a lot of time on the IL, only getting to 90 innings. Glasnow set a personal best last year by getting to 134. Sasaki never hit 130 innings in any of his seasons in Japan.
It’s an extreme quality-over-quantity group, so it will be interesting to see if it ever feels truly crowded. If significant injuries pile up, the club also has Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, Nick Frasso, Justin Wrobleski and Ben Casparius as optionable guys on the roster who should be in the Triple-A rotation.
For Kershaw personally, he will be looking take on a sizable workload for the first time in a while. It used to be his norm to log about 230 innings in a season but he hasn’t done that since 2015 and he hasn’t hit 132 since 2019. He did get to 131 2/3 in 2023 but was clearly working with diminished stuff and required shoulder surgery in the offseason. He returned from that procedure to make seven starts in July and August of last year but then went back on the IL due to the foot issues and finished the year with just 30 innings pitched.
Missing the first few weeks of 2025 will prevent him from having a massive workload this year but he could certainly go well beyond those 30 frames if things go according to plan. As for what’s beyond that, it seems the future Hall-of-Famer isn’t making any decisions yet. He tells Bob Nightengale of USA Today that he plans to go year to year, as opposed to putting a firm timeline on how many more seasons he plans to play in.
Maybe they can defer his IL stint?
what a creative post
What a creative reply
buh bye useless
LOL love it!
Maybe they can get Eric Adams friends to help manipulate the disable list
It’s been done before.
He’s had a nice career. Time to call it a day.
Or he can keep playing baseball as long as teams are willing to pay him to play baseball.
Or in his case, pay him to sit on the IL for 3/4 a season.
Anthony Rendon does it, so why not??
In Rendon’s case it’s been a few years of solitude interrupted by a few months of playing time. Almost feel sorry for the poor B…
@cbraves: You’re just strengthening my case. If someone was willing to pay you $7.5 million to sit on the IL for 3/4 of a season, who wouldn’t take it?
I was agreeing with you. Why would anyone pass up easy millions?
Someone internally motivated to play for the joy of the game, comeraderie, etc. and not solely for money might disagree.
Psychguy: Pay him what a normal 9-5 office worker makes in a full year and then we’d see if Kershaw hangs on for the money or for the love of the game.
The Dodger pitcher who led the team in wins, IP, strikeouts, and lowest ERA in 2023, just one season away, was………………………Clayton Kershaw.
Does the 60-day IL count start on 3/16 for Cubs and Dodgers? A ten day head start would be a nice luxury if you’re the kind of team that leverages this roster feature.
3/18
So before anyone else plays a game they’ll only need 49 or so more days before their guys are eligible to come off 60-day? I guess they can backdate three days so it’s more like 46 when everyone else will be at 57. Seems fair.
No. The clock on all spring training IL’s starts on opening day.
Kershaw is now out until at least May 17.
Ok, that was my question. If all teams start on that day then all players are eligible to come off 60-day IL on same day. This is not team dependent. Appreciate the answer.
All teams do not start on that day. Only the Dodgers and Cubs. All the others start March 27. Their respective IL clocks start when regular play begins.
It’s plainly evident I realize only two teams start early. It’s in the question. The question is when their 60-day IL clock starts counting days. Whether that is date-specific or team. If the former then there’s nothing here, but if the latter then LAD and CHC have a real advantage over every other team.
Needs 32 strikeouts to reach 3,000, that’s quite the milestone.
Irrational hate for Kershaw coming from posts in 3, 2, 1…
honestly don’t know how anyone can have “hate” for Kershaw.
Hate? It’s probably more surly indifference. Hate is much too strong a word. More like some of you hate the surly indifference.
Indifference would imply they wouldn’t be posting.
When Kershaw believes he is no longer able to perform at a productive level, he will hang ‘em up, he has said so himself. Remember his last mostly healthy season, 2023 his ERA was under 2.50. If Kershaw believes he can be productive I wouldn’t doubt him. He also wants a chance at 3000 Ks and to pitch in the playoffs and win another WS, he deserves that chance.
Kershaw has a shot at 3000 strikeouts, a chance to play in a World Series and win another ring, all with one team. He’s definitely a first-ballot HOF player.
Where’s they guy from the other thread that said there was no reason to sign Kershaw now just to put him on the 60 IL?
Here’s that guy. And what exactly are you arguing, now that the lack of urgency is even more obvious?
No argument. I just pointed out in the previous article that he would end up on the 60 when he signed and he did. That’s what they were waiting for, same thing with Hernandez; wait to move players to the injured list rather than give anyone up. The signing now instead of later when he’s healthy is to be able to rehab with the Dodgers training staff
It was fair to wonder whether he might be available sooner than late May when the signing was announced. They chose to handle it this way, but it certainly wasn’t the only option in terms of timing.
Exactly what I said as well, that they would sign Kiki and Kershaw once they could use the 60 day IL. Surprising how many people argued with that.
Do the 32 K’s and retire the same day bro…
He may have to pitch in 2026 to do that.
Two things we knew last year
1. Kershaw would resign with LA
2. He’d be injured
Did his announcement of upcoming knee surgery last November give it away for you?
Oh yeah, that. 😉
I could’ve guessed this outcome 3 yrs ago, but see, I didn’t even know he announced it
he is on the 30-day IL in MLB The Show 2025 video game.
Why he pay him now instead of just waiting til mid season when he’s healthy? Not like he gonna want to sign with any other team.
Because they give a damn
The team and the player have shown loyalty to one another, for one. The other is that if he’s on the roster the team can manage and supervise his rehabilitation. I’m not sure they can be involved in his training and treatment if he’s not under contract.
If he was loyal to the team, he wouldn’t have turned down his player option to re-negotiate for a larger contract.
so obviously your math is as bad as your knowledge of what is important in baseball and life. The option he turned down was for $10 mill. He just signed for $7.5 mill. The rest are incentives, most of which he will never attain. Why don’t you go find a team to for?
*to root for
If he wasn’t loyal to the team someone would’ve offered more and he would’ve taken it.
like he’s in it for the money at this point.
He turned down his player option for roster reasons, not to renegotiate. Had nothing to do with money.
My guess with incentives, he will exceed $10 million.
He’ll unlock a $1MM bonus for making his 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th starts of the season. The deal also contains active roster bonuses; he’ll add an additional $2.5MM for 30 days on the active roster, $1MM for 60 days and $1MM for 90 days.
Let’s say he is active for 89 days and makes 12 starts. He still gets $3.5 million in bonuses above the $7.5 million even without making either 90 days nor the 13th start.
Then let’s assume that he goes 5-2, with an era of 3.00 pitching 57 innings and getting 49 strikeouts. The Dodgers win three of his starts where he gets a no decision for going fewer than 5 innings or not having the lead when he exits the game in an eventual win.
He roughly earns his contract, probably not overpaid or underpaid. If he era is more like 3.50, he will be tad overpaid but worth it as a HOF legacy experience. Part of his vaue is that he helps them rest Yamamoto, Snell, Sasaki and Glasnow. believe he will break 3000 Ks and that this will be his last season.
Rennie? Maybe start by reading the article.
He needs the money. His wife probably takes shopping trips around the world…..daily
By no means am I a Dodger fan. I have been a Yankee fan my entire life. But I have to give the Dodgers credit for the way they treat Kershaw they could have easily kicked them to the curb by now but they haven’t. Unless there is some unknown Revenue stream that he creates for them that I’m not aware of it’s nice to see a player of his caliber still getting respect for what he’s done in the past
I posted in another thread that in 2018, Kershaw at 30 signed a three-year extension for $93M. He had an opt-out with two more years remaining so he effectively extended for one additional year. He could’ve doubled $93M as a free agent but chose not to.
agreed. Part of what creates a winning culture. Conversely, reminds me of Zaidi doing the opposite with JD Davis last spring and his inability to sign top free agents.
JD Davis is not Clayton Kershaw and they did sign a big free agent there when they got Chapman.
While I’m no fan of Zaidi, quite the opposite, he didn’t do anything wrong in regard to crybaby JD Davis, JD (and his agent) brought it all upon himself.
It’s no mystery. If you ever find yourself in Dodger Stadium you’ll have your answer before you get to your seats.
@ Cash-Man-NY
Having Kershaw’s big smile in the dugout and his pitching knowledge in the organization is an inspiration to the other hurlers. Blake Snell said yesterday one of his biggest thrills as a baseball player was throwing his first Dodger bullpen session with Kershaw standing behind him watching.
He’ll also inspire them as to how to collect a paycheck on the IR.
as if the Dodgers didn’t know the situation.
We’re talking about inspiration, not awareness.
161 day IL
30 innings last year, maybe twenty this year.
And if he duplicates his 24 strikeouts, he’ll still be 8 short of 3,000.
It’s crazy May is free agent at seasons end and has less than 200 innings pitched prior to this year. If I’m the Dodgers he’s the first one to go at the deadline if he makes it that far. I’d even consider trying to trade him now, though probably not possible.
Sure it’s possible, but not at all urgent until Kershaw and Ohtani are available. Meanwhile, May will get a showcase.
Looks like money well spent. They’ll be doing well to get 10 starts out of him.
This was expected if you follow the Dodgers at all. Have to fit all those guys on the 40-man.
Cynics abound here. They never have anything positive to add.
I’d be disappointed if he didn’t.
I’ll always admire Kershaw’s cartoon curveball. It’s silly.
Everything about this is just saying “We really don’t care what we get from him. Just happy he’s here”
Giving him incentives for the max of 15 starts. Did he even need a physical? Already a given he’ll just pop in and pitch here and there and be a clubhouse cheerleader. Must be nice for your team to be that good and deep that you can do that.
Teams been doing this for years. Did you know Jack Morris use to fly home in between his starts when he was with the Twins, he had a farm to run
He is older and now it shortens his season so he can be fresh for the playoffs. He is still a very good pitcher. Honestly he has earned it, the money makes up for all those years when he was younger and got paid minimum before arbitration. He has been grateful for baseball and a great role model. Plays the game right been a class act off the field. I’m a Brewer fan and that’s how I see him think all the fans should see him like that.
I don’t think Kershaw will be pitching in the postseason unless there’s a few injuries.
You might want to review his playoff success or lack of success before you think he’s signed for the postseason. He signed to help them get there.
what is the maximum number of players a team can put on the 60 Day ?
No limit.
no limit
lol…go blue
Why don’t you just admit that you’re typing this while wearing a Kershaw jersey?
“It seems highly unlikely Sasaki will be sent down at any point, given that he’s already considered an ace-level talent.”
Keep twistin’ the knife.
Pads signed Pivetta. What’s the problem?
@Bivouac-Sal
Pivetta is not ace-level talent.
Oh. Thanks for letting me know.
@Bivouac-Sal
You asked.
How tall are you in that chicken suit? Because the question went right over your head.
@Bivouac-Sal
No, it didn’t. I’d almost appreciate the moxie if you weren’t annoying.
Do run along now and waste someone else’s time.
Said the guy who wrote 4 posts in this chain.
@BS
All in response to you. Because I care.
What is that you care about? The knife twisting? The difference between Sasaki and Pivetta? The moxie? The time wasting? The annoyance? Enlighten us.
Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart.
Mickey
I know you are a professional “Dodgers hater” but this is the one signing where I just don’t get it.
The Dodgers are paying market cost to keep an injured fragile but still very talented lifelong Dodger in his last season before the HOF.
I can see the haters saying that Blake, Tanner and Kirby were overkill. I can see the jealousy in getting Roki for cheap due to Ohtani, Yamamoto and the WS championship. But there is no place in baseball that Clayton should otherwise be at any salary.
I get a hat?
This is the biggest clown show comment on the thread. Having an aging HOF veteran around your pitching staff, rehabbing, and staying fresh for October is the goal. The Dodgers are already in the playoffs. They do not care if anyone throws 150 innings as long as they have 4 healthy starting pitchers in October. Whatever method gets them there, is the correct one.
He’s signed for the summer. Not the playoffs. You already know his history of playoff failures.
Well, he does need to learn his new cheerleading routines.
Dodgers were better off not signing him.. the guy isn’t going to stay healthy past two seasons so best to retire, got nothing left to prove
I think it is ok, Solis. So now what happens?
@senorherps- hey, you left the second e out of your name – herpes.
Most front offices try to play one or two Chess moves ahead.
The Los Angeles Dodgers play five Stratego moves ahead.
You and I, we’re not even playing the same game.
And so it begins…Next up, er down: Snell, May, Yamamoto, Ohtani, Sasaki, etc.
Just make Kershaw the team mascot and be done with it.
Can I get a hat?
I love all the soft fangirls that come with pitchforks the minute they read anything funny about “THEIR” team!
Love all Kershaw has done but he can’t be an emotional decision forever. This should be his farewell tour.
I’d call it a business decision. The man is box office in LA. He’s already said that he will play only for as long as he can contribute.