Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Still Dealing With Shoulder Injury

Clayton Kershaw is pitching with a sore shoulder, and it is affecting his performance.

Before LA’s 6-to-3 loss against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Kershaw has been pitching with a sore shoulder. The shoulder problem has affected both his velocity and command.

“I think part of it is what he’s going through with the left shoulder and all that comes with the body, and how the body protects, how you’re feeling day to day, outing to outing.”

Via SNLA

The Dodgers don’t want to put Kershaw on the IL since the playoffs are only a month away. They don’t have time to shut him down and then ramp up his pitch count before the playoffs.

After Tuesday’s loss, Kershaw said his shoulder is not the problem. However, knowing Kershaw for 16 years, he won’t make an excuse for his poor play.

With Julio Urias’ legal situation likely taking him out for the rest of this year, Kershaw will start Game 1 in the NLDS. However, the Dodgers obviously want him to be fully healthy for that start.

The Dodgers hope Walker Buehler can return from last August’s Tommy John surgery. On Sunday, at Oklahoma City, he looked great. According to Roberts, Buehler will pitch another two innings on Friday. If Buehler can get through his rehab assignment healthy, he will significantly impact the playoffs.

On Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Miller proved he can be a playoff-caliber starter, and didn’t let the pressure get to him. This season, Miller has matured as a starter and player in the MLB.

In his three major league starts this year, Ryan Pepiot has performed well, which could earn him a start in the playoffs.

While Lance Lynn had a poor start against the Braves, he can also be a viable starter in the postseason.

The Dodgers definitely have tons of options, but none are as important as their longtime ace Kershaw. Hopefully they can get to the bottom of this shoulder injury, and get him fully healthy in the next four weeks. 

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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