Clayton Kershaw Announces Surgical Procedure Done on Shoulder, Future with Dodgers Uncertain
Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw announced on Instagram on Friday that he underwent surgery to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder.
Additionally, he said that he’s “hopeful to return to play at some point next summer.”
This is an enormous announcement for multiple reasons.
First, Kershaw underwent a clearly major surgery that was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Secondly, however, Kershaw said he’s hopeful to return at some point next summer, meaning he’s not planning on retiring at this moment.
Kershaw will clearly be out for a significant amount of time if he’s already looking ahead to next summer, but if all goes well, it sounds like he could pitch again at some point next season.
Kershaw, of course, is a free agent right now, and would still need to sign with the Dodgers to continue pitching for them. However, this is a huge update for his offseason, as we at least know he’s planning on returning if his shoulder allows him to.
Kershaw, as always, will likely be deciding between the Dodgers and the Texas Rangers, and it’ll be interesting to see how much this injury and surgery affects his decision.
He could choose to remain with the organization he’s been with and the medical staff he’s been with his whole career. He could also choose to remain close to home as he rehabs this major injury.
We will continue to provide updates on Kershaw when we know more, but for now, we wish him the best in his recovery from this surgery, and we commend him for pitching through this serious injury for so long.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
If he ever throws a ball for LA it wil n for $ only . Never again do I or all Dodgers fans want to see him in a la hat. He’ wants to go to Texas . No way he a first ballot Hof no more ..in fact shouldn’t be at at after posting a 128. Era in playoffs c’mon 4 jacks to start game I’d hide 4 ever
Next summer should be just enough time to hit the magic number of 3,000 Ks! He does that, he’s first-ballot HOF. Plus, I would like to see him get a proper send-off with a series of promotional events at Dodger Stadium…
If he never throws another pitch, he’s a first ballot HOF. 5 ERA titles, 3 Cy Youngs, a MVP plus the lowest lifetime ERA for a starting pitcher since 1920. Plus 210 wins. If that isn’t enough, I don’t know what is.
I love Kershaw but when is the last time he lasted a full season. He deserves to be signed but it should be a seriously home team deal so it does not negatively affect payroll.
Interesting, I’ve felt for several years now Kershaw needed surgery, but didn’t want to go under the knife. Can’t say I blame him. But major surgery is kind of a given for pitchers of this era, not saying it should be, it just is. And who knows how he’ll come back, he might be the K of half a dozen years ago, his work ethic is regarded as outstanding, or maybe he’ll just be able to throw the ball without pain.
Somehow I doubt he’ll be back, even though he did give them fair value this past year with today’s salaries, with the exception of the playoffs. If the Dodgers don’t sign him, I kind of hope he retires, spends his entire career with the Dodgers and sails off into the HOF on the first ballot. Regardless, I wish him well.