Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Takes Positive Step Forward; Roberts Talks Monday’s Status
The Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts provided another update on Clayton Kershaw on Sunday as the left-hander’s status is up in the air for his next start. Kershaw is scheduled to start on Monday but exited his most recent start earlier than expected and shared that he’s dealing with a shoulder issue.
After a less than great update on Saturday. Today, the news was a bit more positive.
“Today I will say that there was progress,” Roberts said.” What that means for the start tomorrow I just don’t want to say right now. There’s some things that we have to think through — if he starts. If we give him a couple extra days to kick the can. So, right now he hasn’t thrown a bullpen, he hasn’t spun a baseball, but there was progress. He felt better, so that’s encouraging.”
Dave Roberts provides an update on Clayton Kershaw ahead of today's finale in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/D8EhGgPS5j
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 2, 2023
Kershaw is in the middle of his healthiest season in years. He’s made his first 16 starts in 2023 and leads the National League with 10 wins. His 2.55 ERA is 6th best in baseball. The Dodgers would rather not be without him but if you’re looking for an ideal time to give the ace a rest, this might be it.
“It’s most likely either tomorrow or a potentially IL,” Roberts added. “And I think that, appreciating the schedule — we’ve got the All-Star break coming up — if there is a time for us to do this and give him a little reset, this would be it.”
If Kershaw does hit the IL, Michael Grove is likely to fill in for the spot start. The Dodgers have six games left before the break begins.
