Clayton Kershaw is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers for an 18th season but began the year on the 60-day injured list while he recovers from offseason surgeries on his left foot and knee.
Kershaw rejoined his teammates at Camelback Ranch earlier this month and was able to throw his first bullpen session of the spring. The left-hander continued to get work in off the mound and joined the Dodgers in Tokyo.
Kershaw said he is improving by the day and hopes to make his 2025 debut in June, via “Foul Territory:”
“I think it’s all on a good timeline. The foot is kind of weird. Not a lot of people have had this surgery, so there’s not a lot of finite milestones to make. But throwing some bullpens now, and everything feels good. It’s just kind of that last 10, 15% to really step on it. I think if that goes well, I think that’s (returning in June) fair.”
Kershaw is not eligible to be activated off the 60-day IL until May 17.
Kershaw was limited to seven starts last year and finished 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 30 innings pitched. It was the first time since his rookie season in 2008 that he posted an ERA above 4.00.
Despite facing a delayed start to the season for the second consecutive year, Kershaw put off retirement by re-signing with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million contract that includes incentives.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner can earn performance bonuses for start thresholds that are met, as well as time spent on the active roster.
Part of Kershaw’s motivation in returning to the Dodgers is wanting to contribute to a World Series winner and being encouraged by the status of his left shoulder that was surgically repaired in the winter of 2023.
Clayton Kershaw traveled for Tokyo Series
Although he didn’t pitch in Japan, Kershaw still traveled with the Dodgers for the Tokyo Series. The 37-year-old wanted to take in the experience after missing the team’s trip to South Korea last season.
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