Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw to Undergo Testing on Monday, Who Will Be 4th Starter in Playoffs?
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw had to leave his start Friday night in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, after giving up a double to Kolten Wong on his 42nd pitch of the game.
The team reported the injury as left forearm discomfort and Dave Roberts said after the game that Kershaw will get more testing on Saturday. However, considering how late in the season the injury occurred, Roberts said he’s, “just not too optimistic right now.”
We break down the moment Kershaw suffered the injury and discuss how losing Kershaw for the season will impact LA’s starting rotation. Plus, can the Dodgers trust Tony Gonsolin as their fourth starter if they’re able to advance to the NLDS and beyond?
In a Saturday evening update, Roberts said that Clayton wouldn’t undergo testing until Monday but that he came in on Saturday and did his workout but that he was still feeling soreness in that left forearm/elbow area. Doc added that, in all likelihood, Kersh wouldn’t be doing any baseball activities until after those tests at the earliest. And, with that — even in a best case scenario — wouldn’t really have enough time on the calendar to rest, rehab, and build back up in time even if the team made it to the World Series.
So a whole lot just got placed firmly on the shoulders of the Cat-Man, Tony Gonsolin, in October.
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NEXT: Roberts Talks Impact of Kershaw Injury on Staff, Julio Urias’ Postseason Role
It took an injury to Kershaw for Roberts to even consider Urias as a starter in the postseason.He was obviously planning on going with 3 starters as it was, so why would that change?
If he needs a 4th starter my guess is a bullpen game – that was his preference during the regular season anyways. He has Gonsolin and Price who can give him multiple innings at any time. He has a durable and productive bullpen that he can call on as well.
I don’t think a 4th starter is on his mind for now.
Huh? He was always going to use Urias as a starter. And it’s difficult to not have 4 starters in the post season, even with a bullpen game.
Roberts isn’t the one making this decision. It’s Friedman and crew.
yes, I agree!
The Cat man can!
IMHO, I think Kersh is heading for TJ which may end his career if he decides at his age should be go through with not pitching again for a year plus and the rigors of of rehab. I hope that is not the case, but it is hard to think otherwise.
Who’s going to be the fourth starter replacing Kershaw? Here’s a better question: will the Dodgers beat St. Louis in the Wild Card game? They’d better focus on beating them first before worrying who’s going to replace Kershaw in the next level.
Wainwright has zero chance against the scorching hot Dodger bats right now, even with Muncy out. Bring on the Bay Area bombers.