The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has been in a state of flux all season, and that continued Friday night when Clayton Kershaw was removed early because of a bone spur in his left big toe.
Kershaw’s injury came after he managed to make just seven starts since returning from offseason left shoulder surgery. The Dodgers placed Kershaw on the 15-day injured list on Saturday with an official designation of left big toe inflammation.
According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw is likely going to start wearing a walking boot to help alleviate matters with his toe:
“Inflammation still is there,” Roberts said. “I think he’s supposed to be in a walking boot sometime soon.”
Kershaw pitched just one-plus innings in his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing three runs before walking off the mound with Dodgers head athletic trainer Thomas Albert.
Kershaw’s final pitch of the night was a 67.4 mph curveball that was hit for a home run by Corbin Carroll. His pitch before that was an 87.2 mph fastball.
The left-hander explained in his postgame interview that pain caused by the bone spur impacted his ability to push off the mound when delivering a pitch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Kershaw has dealt with the bone spur on occasion for multiple years. The toe injury had otherwise never been disclosed prior to this past weekend.
Kershaw is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA this season. If that mark finishes above 3.00, it would be just the fourth time in Kershaw’s that’s been the case. If Kershaw’s ERA checks in above 4.00, it would be the first time since his rookie season with the Dodgers.
Chase Field remains the only ballpark Kershaw has a losing record at in his career.
Potential Clayton Kershaw timeline
While the Dodgers wait for swelling and inflammation in Kershaw’s toe to subside, they also are uncertain of his potential return date.
The team hopes that will occur before the end of the regular season, which is the case with Tyler Glasnow as well in his effort to recover from right elbow tendinitis.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
