Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Pitching Pain-Free, Still Set for August Return
Clayton Kershaw was off to a great start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.
The 35-year-old was putting together quality outings as per usual, had been named an All-Star for the 10th time, and even exorcised his Coors Field demons, putting together six innings of one-hit ball in the Mile High City against the Colorado Rockies.
However, it was during that appearance in Denver where Kershaw experienced a setback, leaving that game early with what the team termed as shoulder soreness.
That soreness would get worse, and it would lead Kershaw to head to the injured list for the first time this season, with a potential return scheduled for August.
It was a bump in the road for the future Hall of Famer who’s been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, but there is some good news. The veteran responded well following a bullpen session in Baltimore on Tuesday, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
Clayton Kershaw threw more than 30 pitches in his bullpen session today, Dave Roberts said
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 18, 2023
Kershaw reported no pain or discomfort, and used his entire pitch mix
Roberts said early August remains the target date for Kershaw’s return
The news that Kershaw had a good bullpen is a welcome development for the Dodgers, who are still dealing with uncertainty in their starting rotation despite winning seven of their last eight games.
That run has seen them jump into first place in the NL West as the season moves past the halfway point, but getting Kershaw back into the fold relatively soon will help the Dodgers as they try to keep hold of that division lead.
There’s only two and a half games separating the Dodgers and the third place Arizona Diamondbacks, so they have to keep up the pace they’ve been winning at if they hope to remain at the top as the homestretch approaches.
The Dodgers have gotten healthier of late, as Julio Urias and Chris Taylor have come back to make big impacts, but the impending return of their reliable ace will be yet another bonus for LA as they look to keep their roll going.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
