Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Talks Timeline for Clayton Kershaw Return
The Dodgers offically announced the return of veteran starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw on Friday, and fans rejoiced all over. Kershaw has been with Los Angeles his entire career, and it would have felt wrong to have him leave the organization.
The contract he signed with the Dodgers this time around is a little different than in the past. He has a player option for the 2025 season, giving himself a little more flexibility going forward.
With Kershaw now back in the mix, many have wondered when they will see him take the mound. He underwent surgery to repair his shoulder this offseason and will miss an extended amount of time to start the year.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman provided an update on when Kershaw could potentially return to the mound during the 2024 season. It’s been expected that he won’t return until late summer, and Friedman confirmed what was known.
“Right now, I’m sure he’s saying the right things,” Friedman said of Kershaw, who estimated a return in “July-ish, August-ish.”
Per Andrew Friedman via The Orange County Register
While Kershaw recovers, the Dodgers should have enough in the chamber to hold down the fort. The front office made sure to address the starting pitching this offseason, giving Kershaw plenty of time to not rush himself back.
Getting a healthy Kershaw back for the stretch run will be a major boost for the Dodgers this season, and he showed last season that he still had plenty left in the tank. The veteran left-hander still has a desire to win at the highest level, making him a solid addition for Los Angeles.
“But knowing him, he’s going to start pushing probably earlier than the doctors suggest and recommend. But so much of a guy returning from surgery – there’s a couple factors that play a large part in that, one is who is the surgeon? And two is how much can you bet on them and the rehab process and how he’ll attack it. Those boxes couldn’t have been checked in a more resounding way. We feel good that he will come and contribute and be a big part of what we do. The when? We’re not sure yet.
Per Andrew Friedman via The Orange County Register
Getting Kershaw back adds even more excitement to the upcoming season for the Dodgers. He is a staple of this organization, and it would have been wrong to enter into this new era of Dodgers’ baseball without him.
Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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