Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw unfortunately missed out on the chance to pitch in his 10th All-Star Game after being placed on the IL earlier this month. We now have an update on when he may return for the Dodgers, and it isn’t exactly an update that Dodgers fans are going to be pleased about.
Kershaw has been as good as ever this season, putting up a 2.55 ERA in 16 starts this season. He was named to the All-Star Game, but didn’t get to compete in the game due to left shoulder soreness.
According to Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris, Kershaw confirmed on Friday that he won’t be back for the Dodgers until early August despite feeling “fine”. An MRI before the All-Star break reportedly shows that he needs more time to heal from this ailment.
Clayton Kershaw confirmed he won’t be back until early August
He said he feels fine, but that after getting an MRI before the break, doctors told him his injury (he didn’t disclose specifics) needs more time to heal
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 14, 2023
Fans took notice of this news and are certainly upset that Kershaw will be away from the team for at least a couple of weeks.
They’re HOPING for Clayton Kershaw back by the beginning of August???
I really hope nothing is wrong. This doesn’t sound very optimistic. https://t.co/tDLHDNblHK
— sky (@GonsolinRBW) July 14, 2023
Looks like Clayton Kershaw is going to miss a little more time than expected…. https://t.co/nPvoYY2L8V
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) July 14, 2023
So August now for Clayton Kershaw — though Dave Roberts' injury updates have not been the most accurate recently https://t.co/5FkJsuS8qm
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 14, 2023
A little longer for Clayton Kershaw https://t.co/8pBe0c3X65
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) July 14, 2023
It certainly must be a frustrating situation for Kershaw to feel fine but being told that you cannot return. He detailed as much in a second message to Harris.
Kershaw said he has never experienced a situation like this before (where he feels fine, but doctors are telling him he can’t pitch)
He said he trusts the advice, which came from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, but admitted it’s been a frustrating process
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) July 14, 2023
Kershaw has undoubtedly been one of the best pitchers of this generation, but there has to be at least a little bit of concern over this injury at 35 years of age, and how he will look once he does come off the IL for the Dodgers.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.