Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Provides Unfortunate Update on Clayton Kershaw’s Health
There must be something in the desert air, because Clayton Kershaw’s last couple of matchups against the Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t done him any favors.
On Saturday, the saga worsened when Kershaw exited in the second inning due to a sore left big toe that resulted in a trip to the 15-day injured list. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters after Kershaw’s shortened start that the issue was caused by a bone spur that his left-handed starter has been dealing with for “maybe a couple of years,” but he’s normally able to keep the pain at bay with preventative treatment.
Now?
“There’s so much swelling, he can barely move around with it,” Roberts said.
Another detail was revealed Monday when Roberts told reporters Kershaw will be required to be in a walking boot and likely require scans on his left big toe.
Kershaw will need to go through treatment to manage the inflammation before the Dodgers can set a clear timeline for his return. However, Roberts is optimistic the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner could be back in the rotation after the minimum IL stint, giving him up to three starts before the postseason.
“Each day we’ll know more. Obviously, we’ve got 15 days to kind of see where we’re at,” Roberts said. “The calendar is working against us, certainly as a starter, but I don’t think 15 days will cut into the buildup [to get back to] where he’s been.”
Kershaw, who made his season debut on July 25 after rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery, has started seven games this year with a 4.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 30 innings.
“In Clayton’s head, he just wants to get this to subside and get back as soon as he can,” Roberts said. “We just won’t know until we can get the swelling down.”
Roberts isn’t entertaining the idea that this injury could keep Kershaw off the postseason roster.
“That’s not where any of our heads are at right now,” he said. “Our expectation is that he will [be ready in time for the postseason].”
Photo Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
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First thing I will admit is that I am NOT a doctor or in any way affiliated with any medical profession, but could someone please tell me why this was not taken care of when he had the shoulder surgery? Doesn’t seem to make any sense to let this linger for a couple of years.
Hey Harry ………. good point!!! This is just one of many situations with the dodger pitchers that seem “strange”.
Good post. Yep should have taken care of that. It should be a simple surgery. Laser it off. this off season.