Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Talks About ‘Miserable’ IL Stint and Comeback Attempt
It was supposed to be only 10 days — just a little break in the middle of the season. But now Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is into month number two on the injured list as he works through some soreness in his forearm/elbow area.
At one point, Clayton was hoping to make his return tonight against the Angels. However, a setback now has his return date looking more like September than August. Yesterday via Zoom, Kersh talked about frustrations with the injury and where he’s now at in his recovery.
“Basically I just tried to come back too fast which is a bummer. After the sim game, it really didn’t respond well. It’s frustrating. It’s still nothing serious. But it’s something that’s just going to take a little bit of time. … I’m feeling better now and should be able to get going again soon.”
What makes it worse for the veteran is the fact that he knows his team needs help right now. Since he hit the IL on July 7th, the Dodgers are 12-12 and have failed to make up any ground on the division leading Giants. In fact, they’ve fallen 2.5 games further behind.
“It’s no fun,” Kershaw added. “Being hurt is miserable. I really don’t enjoy it at all, especially with what’s going on here and the guys we have coming in. This stretch run right now, I want to be a part of it so bad. I’m going to do everything I can to be back. I think I will be. But it’s definitely looking more like September than August. I know we’re still going to be in the middle of it, so I’m excited to be a part of it then.”
Kershaw was in the middle of a fine year in 2021. In 18 starts he has a 9-7 record with a 3.39 ERA over 106.1 innings pitched. Notably, the forearm issues began soon after MLB decided to enforce the sticky stuff rule in the middle of a season, so think what you want with that note.
Kershaw’s Challenge
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw’s charity, Kershaw’s Challenge, is still hard at work doing what can to help people locally and abroad. Today, Kershaw’s Challenge is hosting the 8th annual “Back to School Bash” at the Los Angeles Dream Center where backpacks, school supplies, and more will be provided for 2,500 kids.
“After a year of a lot virtual, including this event, it feels really great to be back in person,” said Clayton. “The Back to School Bash with our friends at the Dream Center is one of our favorite parts of every year. It was awesome to see the team pull off a drive-thru event last year, but it feels awesome to get to do it face to face this year. Kershaw’s Challenge is really proud to partner with the Dream Center again. It’s an honor to serve the families and kids of LA by their side.”
Kershaw’s Challenge began in 2011 and has been working to serve vulnerable and at-risk children living in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. More than $14 million has been raised by the nonprofit over the last 10 years.
NEXT: Dave Roberts Reveals Where Trea Turner Will Play on Defense
If after a month gone by and he says he has to much pain then what’s a mother to do. Take your medication honey and lets see if this works.
When Kershaw is ready to come back, if our imbecile “manager” doesn’t screw it up, our rotation should be the best in baseball… Kershaw, Scherzer, Buehler, Duffy, Price…
Urias the long man Treinen the 8th inning guy and Knebel as the closer. Waive Cleavinger and only use Jansen in out of hand situations so he can make games closer than they should be. If Bauer is declared not guilty, that adds to the intrigue. Bench Bellinger as well.
Unfortunately what the club’s rotation “should be” and what it is, are mile apart. Kershaw maybe September but no guarantee. Duffy, lets see what he does. Price, yes big contract, small results. Urias is a starter and doing well. So, the best rotation in baseball looks more like a Three solid guys right now and no proven success in the #4 or 5 spot. Bauer’s status is in the who knows category. All that starter depth in April looks pretty thin right now.
Roberts inexplicable management this year is…well…inexplicable!
doc managed last night’s game perfectly. glass half empty much?
Urias is better than Price at this point and who knows what Duffy will bring. Kershaw keeps saying his injury is not serious. Well suck it up then and get out there and win some games. I love Kershaw but he hasn’t pitched a whole season since 2015, while making $30M plus per season.
If he resigns, his contract should have a reasonable base with incentives. I’m old enough to remember a guy named Koufax, who iced his arthritic arm after every start, rarely missed a start and usually finished his starts.
George, I use to work with a lady named Denise Pobedinsky.
Gary, that’s my sister.