Clayton Kershaw Faces Setback in Rehab Process
Dodgers' left-handed ace, Clayton Kershaw, has encountered an unexpected hurdle in his recovery journey following last year’s shoulder surgery. Having made one rehab start already and positioned for a second on Tuesday, Kershaw has now been shut down due to "lingering soreness."
"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," emphasized 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."
Kershaw is anticipated to avoid throwing for at least a week before attempting to ramp up his activities once more. An MRI has fortunately revealed no new incidents, providing a silver lining amidst this setback. Last November, Kershaw underwent surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, an essential procedure to facilitate his return to the mound.
During his first rehab outing, Kershaw demonstrated his form by pitching three innings and throwing 36 pitches. However, for the Dodgers to consider activating him to the big-league roster, he would need to be capable of finishing at least five innings and delivering approximately 75 pitches.
With the hinderance in his rehab progress, Kershaw’s return is now projected for sometime in August. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been plagued with injuries this season, creating a challenging situation for the team. Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, and Bobby Miller endured a lengthy stint away from the mound. Kershaw, along with Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, have spent the entire year sidelined. Recently, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also added to the growing list of injured pitchers.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to excel, holding a 48-31 record as of Monday. They currently enjoy a comfortable 8.5-game lead in the NL West, showcasing the depth and resilience of the team. Keeping this momentum, however, will necessitate the return of key pitchers such as Kershaw.
The current situation with Kershaw is reminiscent of the unpredictability inherent in the rehabilitation process. Although this regression in his throwing process isn’t ideal, it’s an anticipated part of his long journey back to the diamond. The Dodgers and their fans remain hopeful that the coming weeks will see progress in Kershaw’s recovery, leading to his much-anticipated return to the pitching rotation.
Roberts' measured approach and understanding of the rehabilitation process provide a tempered expectation but also a cautious optimism. The Dodgers' strategy and patience will be critical moving forward, ensuring that when Kershaw does make his return, he is fully prepared to contribute effectively to the team's success.
The road to recovery following shoulder surgery is rarely linear, and Kershaw’s determination and the team's support system will be key factors in navigating this challenging phase. As Kershaw takes this period to rest and prepare to ramp up again, the Dodgers will continue to strategize and adapt, maintaining their stronghold in the NL West and looking forward to bolstering their lineup with the return of their veteran pitcher.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Kershaw and the Dodgers, with every effort being made to ensure that his next steps in recovery are taken with the utmost care and precision.