Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Expected to Make Return to Rotation Next Week
Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has been out of the rotation since August 4th where he left due lower back pain. Kershaw was feeling some discomfort while he was warming up before the bottom of the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts then announced that he would be placed on the IL and hoped he would miss a couple weeks to a month.
Well, today we found out it happened to be the best-case scenario for the Dodgers veteran.
Clayton Kershaw said he threw about 70 pitches in his sim game today. His back feels good, he said, so should be in line to return to the rotation on Thursday in NY or Friday vs. SD.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 27, 2022
This is fantastic news for the Dodgers and their fans. Kershaw has dealt with lower back pain throughout his career so to hear that it didn’t affect him too much is exactly what we love to hear. After his simulation game, Kershaw said that he didn’t do great, but he feels healthy.
"It wasn't great but thankfully it felt great. Healthy. Back feels good, ready to go" ? @ClaytonKersh22 talks with @kirsten_watson after pitching a sim game. pic.twitter.com/DQitpghkQo
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 27, 2022
The 34-year-old also mentioned why it was important to throw even though he didn’t do well by his standards (quote from OC Register’s Bill Plunkett).
“I would have liked to have pitched better,” he said. “But ultimately you just have to do it to get your pitch count up as a starter. … That’s really the only reason to do it, to throw pitches. I did that.
Kershaw chose the route of two simulation games instead of the minor-league rehabilitation route.
“Health and quantity is the most important thing. Obviously you’d like the quality to be there too. But sometimes in those situations it’s hard to replicate a game.”
No exact word yet on what exact day he will start, but it will either be against the New York Mets in Citi Field or back at home in Chavez Ravine against the San Diego Padres. The matchup against the Mets could be a potential NLCS matchup in the postseason, so regardless of the pitching matchup this will be one to watch.
Even at his age, Kershaw is someone you want out there in your rotation due to his pedigree and championship experience. We all hope for great health for the lefty and to come back as dominate as he was before the IL stint. Welcome back, Kersh!
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What is wrong with CT3; his strikeout rate is off the wall, and his fielding has dropped. Lux should be playing in his stead, and so should Thompson, until he gets his act together. He may still be hurting and playing hurt!