Dodgers News: Injured Clayton Kershaw Will Still Attend All-Star Festivities in Seattle
Since the Los Angeles Dodgers lack starting pitching depth, they placed Clayton Kershaw on the fifteen-day IL.
Last Tuesday while pitching a gem at Coors Field, Kershaw felt shoulder pain. He took himself out of the game after throwing 79 pitches in six innings. Later, Kershaw was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation.
Wednesday, Kershaw received a cortisone shot to calm down shoulder inflammation. He played catch before Saturday’s game in Kansas City, but it was just okay. While Kershaw’s troublesome shoulder is improving daily, Monday, the Dodgers ILed him to recall Michael Grove who started Monday’s 5-to-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In the recent past, the Dodgers could have skipped Kershaw’s spot in the rotation. Dodger pitchers have spent the most days on the IL in the Major Leagues. In 2023, Kershaw hadn’t missed a start before Monday. However, the break for Kershaw is prudent. In 95.1 innings, he’s won 10 and lost 4 with a 2.55 ERA, but he hasn’t pitched more than 178.1 innings since 2019.
“[With] all of our pitchers, there was a time where we envisioned each one of these guys getting a blow,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t think any pitcher looks forward to that, especially of this caliber. But again, given what he’s given us, I think it’s really smart and the reset is good.”
Sunday, Kershaw was named to his tenth National League All-Star team. He tied Pee Wee Reese for the most All-Star teams in Dodger history.
While Kershaw can’t participate in the All-Star Game, he and his family plan to go to Seattle and participate in the All-Star Festivities. “The other part that’s disappointing is making the All-Star Team (and not being able to pitch).
“I know Charley wanted to see me pitch – he’s getting into it now – I wanted to pitch in that. So yeah, that’s disappointing too. We’re still going to go and have a good time.”
The Dodgers expect Kershaw back right after the All-Star break.
