Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Open to Any Role In His Return
Things are trending in the right direction for Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has been on the IL since early July with forearm inflammation. After a successful bullpen on Tuesday, his return is coming more into focus.
Question is, will Kershaw be able to start games for the Dodgers once he does return? According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Kershaw is open to any role that helps the team once he’s activated off the IL.
“For us, each day, let’s improve, let’s get stronger, let’s build up the arm. Where that gets us, whenever that take place, we’ll see what role makes sense. Clayton, first and foremost, wants to be healthy and he’s open to whatever will help the team at that point.”
One wouldn’t expect anything different from a competitor like Clayton Kershaw. The lefty is eager to get back on the field on a team that has limitless potential.
Kershaw Ready for ‘Whatever is Needed’
When asked on Wednesday if he has a goal, Kershaw stated “Obviously, I’m going to do whatever is needed or wanted. My focus is to get back and start. But obviously, whatever I can do, I’ll do.”
Kershaw hasn’t made a regular season relief appearance since September 29, 2019. If he isn’t stretched out enough to start, he could be a valuable left-handed reliever. At the moment, Alex Vesia seems to be the only high leverage lefty reliever Roberts trusts. One effective left-handed reliever won’t cut it in October.
Final Thoughts
There’s still some time before the playoffs, but it’s running out quickly. Including Thursday, the Dodgers have 35 games left in the regular season. They’re desperate for another starter, but even bullpen games are a better than risking another Kershaw injury.
A consummate professional, Kershaw is ready to help the team as a reliever, starter, swingman and everything in between.
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Kershaw only is successful as a starter. Leave him as a starter.
You nailed it!
Is there enough time/games for him to be stretched out i.e arm strength to be a starter? Perhaps send him to the minors.
With the last 3 games versus the Giants looming next week, I wondering if Roberts will push Scherzer’s August 31st start to the September 3rd series opener versus the Giants? This series will decide who wins the season series, which could affect who wins the division in the event of a tie. Right now the series is tied 8-8. This move would have Scherzer in game 1, Urias in game 2, and Buehler in game 3. At the moment they are our 3 top starters. Of course if a miracle is ever needed, it would be a strong Kershaw return in the first week of September. This is not a time to take the foot off the accelerator. World Series win or bust!
Great idea- move him so ‘the big 3’
line up!
No need to move him. Things have lined up so counting no game on the 2nd Urias is scheduled for the 3rd, Buhler on the 4th and Scherzer on the 5th.
Bingo!!
Kersh wants a piece of this return to the WS. He can be a piece in the bullpen games until he gets stretched out. This is gonna be fun! Go Dodgers – finally we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with most of the front-line players back. Scherzer replaced Bauer essentially. Big difference is Trea for Lux!!! Thank you Dodger ownership, AF and the FO. We are so thankful you are all-in to win the WS again this year!!