Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has hit a significant hurdle in his comeback journey following shoulder surgery, as lingering soreness has caused a temporary shutdown. Although an MRI revealed no new issues, Kershaw won't be resuming his throwing schedule for at least a week, dashing immediate hopes for his return to the mound.
Rehab Setback
The left-handed pitcher was already on a tightly managed recovery plan after undergoing surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. Kershaw had made one rehab start, pitching three innings and throwing 36 pitches, with a second start scheduled for Tuesday. However, the persisting soreness has forced the Dodgers to halt his progress.
"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."
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
Kershaw's setback is just one chapter in a challenging season for the Dodgers' pitching staff, which has been marred by injuries. Walker Buehler, who began the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller, who had an extended stint on the injured list, are notable absentees. Kershaw, along with teammates Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, has spent the entire year on the injured list. Recently, the pitching depth took another hit with Yoshinobu Yamamoto landing on the injured list as well.
The cumulative toll on the pitching roster underscores the team's resilience, as the Dodgers have managed to hold a 48-31 record as of Monday, maintaining an 8.5-game lead in the NL West.
Return Timeline
While the exact timeline for Kershaw's return remains uncertain, there's a glimmer of hope he could rejoin the rotation sometime in August. For a serious consideration of activation to the big-league roster, the Dodgers need Kershaw to be capable of finishing at least five innings and throwing around 75 pitches. This phased return is crucial for ensuring he can compete at the highest level without risking further injury.
The Dodgers' strategy hinges on a cautious approach, carefully aligning Kershaw's rehabilitation to both his individual needs and the team's broader aspirations. The club recognizes the importance of his role and the impact a premature return could have, striving to balance short-term gains with long-term stability.
As Kershaw navigates this challenging phase, the Dodgers and their fans look forward to his eventual comeback, fully aware of the dedication and perseverance required in the rehabilitation process. His journey is a testament to the complexities and uncertainties that often accompany recovery from a major surgery, reminding us of the delicate interplay between physical healing and athletic ambition.