Clayton Kershaw Lined Up to Return to Dodgers This Month
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without many key pitchers this season, but a major reinforcement is lined up to be back very soon.
In fact, three-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw is expected to return to the mound this month for the first time since Aug. 30, 2024, as he is currently on the 60-day IL recovering from left toe surgery as well as offseason knee injury.
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While currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kershaw has a 3.27 ERA through three starts, with 10 strikeouts through 11 innings. He’s also allowed 10 hits and two walks in that time.
According to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett, the MVP is expected to make another rehab start and is eligible to leave the IL and rejoin the rotation on May 18.
As Kershaw inches closer to the mound, manager Dave Roberts spoke on his fastball velocity, which has dropped under 90 mph during his rehab assignment.
“I think that Clayton is always going to want more velocity,” Roberts said. “I think he is dialing it up because when he gets here, he wants to be ready. From what I hear, he’s throwing the baseball well. It’s certainly not major-league competition, but I know Clayton is doing everything he can to, once he gets here, be the best pitcher he can be to help us win baseball games. He’s not just checking boxes, going through the motions.
“Clayton, for me, he can pitch with whatever velocity. As long as he’s healthy, I’ll bet on him.”
The confidence from his skipper is promising, but with only seven starts last season, the focus for the 10-time All-Star should be to be on the mound for as many quality starts as possible.
Kershaw will rejoin a pitching rotation that desperately needs a few glimpses of vintage No. 22 on the bump as they deal with a rash of injuries.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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