Clayton Kershaw was pitching well for the Los Angeles Dodgers before landing on the 15-day injured list due to a bone spur in his left big toe.
Kershaw made just seven starts prior to the toe injury after he also spent the majority of the season recovering from left shoulder surgery he underwent in the offseason.
The injury is expected to keep him out for the rest of the regular season, but there’s hope he can return for the postseason.
Kershaw has been throwing off a makeshift mound and trying to find ways to limit the pain in his toe. It may ultimately be something he has to mostly deal with an manage, rather than letting it fully heal.
The southpaw took a significant step as he tries to work his way back, throwing an extended bullpen session that created some more hope for his return, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
This one lasted approximately 80 pitches – more than double the length of most bullpen sessions – and was “pretty encouraging,” Roberts said.
“For him to be able to take the mound and throw 80-something pitches is a good thing,” Roberts said.
Although time is running out, things do seem to be trending in the right direction for Kershaw.
While the 36-year-old may have to pitch through some pain, it seems the Dodgers are planning on letting that happen when both sides feel ready, likely coming in the playoffs:
“I think for Clayton, the calendar is certainly working against us,” Roberts said. “The minor-league season is coming to a close (on Sunday). Basically letting time take shape, let it continue to heal, keep his arm going, keep that intensity up and then there’s going to be a point whenever we all come together and decide to fire that bullet and let him pitch for us. I’m holding out hope that it happens. I don’t think anyone knows when it’s going to happen. But today was a big step in the right direction.
“Whenever we feel that he can pitch in a game, we’re going to try to do it. It’s still no guarantee. But if things continue to trend the way they are, I’m hopeful.”
Although Kershaw’s diagnosis is a bone spur, the Dodgers are unsure if his tendons or ligaments are adding to the pain, which makes it all the more challenging to address.
Kershaw has been dealing with the bone spur for multiple seasons, Roberts added, but it’s given him more trouble this year while pushing off the rubber.
The Dodgers need an effective Kershaw for October as they’ve already lost Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone for the season, severely limiting their postseason rotation options.
Kershaw posted a 4.50 ERA and 3.54 FIP in 30 innings prior to landing on the IL.
Clayton Kershaw staying ready
While on the IL, Kershaw said he’s been unable to throw at 100% intensity, but he’s continued to get his work in so he won’t need much of a rehab stint before he returns.
For the time being, it’s mostly just about waiting for the pain to subside as much as possible.
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