Clayton Kershaw’s Official Return Date Revealed by Dodgers Manager
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw will make his first start of the season on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday.
More news: How Many Pitchers Do Dodgers Have on Injured List Following Roki Sasaki News?
Kershaw underwent two surgeries in November to repair his left meniscus and bone spurs in his left toe. The toe injury ended Kershaw’s 2024 season early and kept him on the sidelines through the Dodgers’ World Series run.
Saturday’s start will be Kershaw’s first since Aug. 30, 2024 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The left-hander pitched just one inning before going on the IL.
Through his recovery from the double surgeries, Kershaw has completed five rehab assignments at three different minor league levels. The three-time Cy Young award winner logged a 2.57 ERA, 16 strikeouts and five walks while allowing 12 hits, six runs and three home runs across 21 innings.
This is Kershaw’s second consecutive season starting on the injured list. Before sustaining his toe injury in August, the 37-year-old had left shoulder surgery to fix the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his throwing arm in November 2023.
As a result of the shoulder surgery, Kershaw started the 2024 season on IL. The combination of his shoulder surgery and sustaining a toe injury restricted the southpaw to seven starts in 2024.
Kershaw, who is entering his 18th season with the Dodgers, signed a one-year deal as a free agent with the franchise in February. His $7.5 million contract includes bonuses.
The 10-time All-Star’s return to the rotation is happening at the perfect time with the Dodgers’ influx of pitching injuries. Los Angeles most recently placed right-handed starting pitcher Roki Sasaki on the 15-day injured list with right arm soreness on Tuesday.
Sasaki’s injury left the Dodgers with four healthy starting pitchers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, Landon Knack and Tony Gonsolin are the four who remain active on the roster.
Kershaw’s return will add a fifth arm to the rotation.
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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