Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw’s Progress Stalls, Putting Postseason Status in Doubt
That latest update regarding Clayton Kershaw isn’t encouraging.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-time Cy Young Award is in “a holding pattern” and there are currently no plans for him to face hitters as he tries to overcome a toe injury.
“I don’t think there’s been improvement,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday before his National League West-leading team opened a crucial three-game series against second-place San Diego. “Him not facing hitters this week is pretty telling in itself.”
Kershaw played catch Tuesday but “there’s something that’s holding him up from progressing to face hitters,” Roberts said. “Hopefully in the next few days, we’ll get a little more clarity on how he’s feeling.”
Even if he isn’t throwing to hitters, Kershaw has played catch and plans to keep his arm active, per Alden González of ESPN.
The 36-year-old left-hander went on the injured list Aug. 31 with a bone spur in his left big toe. Kershaw didn’t pitch until July 25 after having offseason shoulder surgery.
He was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts before the injury.
Tuesday’s revelation isn’t close to what was being anticipated on Thursday when Kershaw threw an 80-pitch bullpen session.
Roberts said the session was “pretty encouraging.”
“For him to be able to take the mound and throw 80-something pitches is a good thing,” Roberts added.
The progress Kershaw appeared to be making had the Dodgers hopeful that he would be able to appear in at least one game before the postseason.
“I think for Clayton, the calendar is certainly working against us,” Roberts said. “The minor-league season is coming to a close (on Sunday). Basically, letting time take shape, let it continue to heal, keep his arm going, keep that intensity up, and then there’s going to be a point whenever we all come together and decide to fire that bullet and let him pitch for us. I’m holding out hope that it happens. I don’t think anyone knows when it’s going to happen. But today was a big step in the right direction.
“Whenever we feel that he can pitch in a game, we’re going to try to do it. It’s still no guarantee. But if things continue to trend the way they are, I’m hopeful.”
Ahead of Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers called up flamethrowing reliever Edgardo Henriquez from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Pitcher Ben Casparius was optioned in a corresponding 28-man roster move and to make room for Henriquez on the 40-man roster, Gavin Stone was transferred to the 60-day IL, ending his season.
Because Stone’s season has ended and there has been little movement on the Tyler Glasnow front, Kershaw’s injury is like a dark cloud hanging over the team’s collective head.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-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!
