Dodgers' Kershaw Faces Setback in Rehab After Shoulder Surgery
Los Angeles Dodgers' left-handed pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, has encountered an unforeseen obstacle in his rehabilitation journey following shoulder surgery. Initially progressing well, Kershaw's path hit a stumbling block due to lingering soreness.
Having already completed one rehab start, Kershaw was poised for a second outing on Tuesday. However, the persistent discomfort forced the Dodgers to shut him down temporarily. "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," stated Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, addressing the setback.
An MRI scan revealed no additional complications, which offers some relief, but Kershaw won't be throwing for at least another week. The team hopes this additional rest will alleviate the soreness, allowing him to attempt ramping up again afterward. "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," Roberts added, understanding that challenges are part of a long recovery process.
Surgery and Rehab Progress
Kershaw's shoulder surgery, performed last November, repaired the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. In his first rehab outing, he managed three innings, throwing a total of 36 pitches. For the Dodgers to consider activating him to the major league roster, Kershaw would need to demonstrate the ability to pitch at least five innings and handle around 75 pitches.
Potential Return Timeline
Kershaw's potential return looks uncertain but a comeback sometime in August appears feasible if his recovery proceeds without further hitches. The veteran pitcher's return would be a significant boost for the Dodgers, who have been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
Dodgers' Injury Woes
The Dodgers have faced a relentless string of injuries impacting their pitching staff this season. Walker Buehler began the season on the injured list, while Bobby Miller endured a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Notably, Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have spent the year entirely on the injured list, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto recently added to this growing list of woes.
Performance Amidst Challenges
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a commendable performance. As of Monday, they hold a 48-31 record and lead the NL West by 8.5 games. This resilience speaks volumes about the team's depth and ability to adapt to adverse conditions.
The Dodgers and their fans are undoubtedly hopeful for Kershaw's recovery and return. While the journey back to full strength is fraught with challenges, the collective belief in Kershaw’s tenacity and experience remains unshaken. His eventual comeback could play a pivotal role in boosting the Dodgers' postseason aspirations.