Clayton Kershaw expectedly was left off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster for the National League Division Series, as he had already been ruled out because of trouble recovering from a bone spur in his left big toe.
“It was just getting pretty mentally exhausting to continue to pitch, try to pitch. It just kept hurting, so I got another MRI and I made it worse,” Kershaw said before Game 1 against the San Diego Padres.
“So there was not point at this point to keep going. It’s unfortunate and I’m obviously super frustrated. It did not get better, so I couldn’t pitch.”
Kershaw’s outlook for a return this year was uncertain from the time he landed on the 15-day injured list last month, but he nevertheless continued playing catch before advancing to throwing bullpen sessions. The next progression would have been facing batters in a simulated game, but health never permitted.
“I had to keep my arm going to have a chance. By doing that, I probably made this (toe injury) worse. But I had to try, so that’s just part of the deal,” Kershaw conceded.
When discussing Kershaw’s toe injury the night he was removed from a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Dave Roberts revealed the bone spur had been an issue for multiple seasons.
“I’ve had toe stuff for a long time, but this is a little bit more acute,” Kershaw clarified. “A little different.”
Kershaw went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in just seven starts this season. Kershaw didn’t make his 2024 debut until July 25, which arguably was ahead of schedule, due to undergoing left shoulder surgery last offseason.
Does Clayton Kershaw need surgery?
With his year now over, Kershaw will soon shift attention toward finding a solution for his ailing toe.
“It’s definitely in the conversation,” answered Kershaw when asked if he will need to have toe surgery.
“I haven’t solidified anything yet, but there’s a chance I need to fix it.”
Will Kershaw retire?
Considering the 36-year-old is at the point of evaluating his future on a yearly basis and that another season has been marred by injury, retirement would appear to be under consideration.
“We’ll talk about it after the season. Right now, I feel the focus should be trying to beat the Padres. I’m going to try and be a good cheerleader the best I can,” Kershaw said. “We’ll think about it in the offseason and decide then.
“My shoulder feels great, back feels great, all that stuff. I obviously don’t want to keep getting hurt all the time. It’s not fun to do that. But I also really love to pitch, so just got to weigh everything, talk with Ellen and figure it out. We’ll see how it goes.”
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