The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Clayton Kershaw to the 60-day injured list Monday as a corresponding move to making room on their 40-man roster for Andre Lipcius.
The Dodgers acquired Lipcius from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. Lipcius, a versatile infielder, figures to serve as organizational depth much in the mold Yonny Hernández did last season.
As for Kershaw, a move to the 60-day IL was seemingly inevitable since he re-signed with the Dodgers. Kershaw underwent surgery last November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. The procedure was completed by Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Despite dealing with the significant shoulder injury during the second half of the 2023 season, Kershaw still finished the year 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 24 starts. He was plenty effective when healthy and prior landing on the 15-day IL was among the top candidates to start for the National League in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.
The Dodgers not only afforded Kershaw plenty of time to make his free agency decision, but the longtime ace also spent all of February at home in Dallas to spend time with his family while continuing the rehab process.
Kershaw returned to Camelback Ranch at the start of March and is going to remain with the team until they depart to play in the Seoul Series.
Once the regular season begins, Kershaw will be with the Dodgers during home games and return to Dallas during road trips for the team.
Kershaw remains hopeful of joining the Dodgers starting rotation during the second half of the regular season, with some time in August a general target.
Clayton Kershaw’s contract
Unlike his last two instances of being a free agent, Kershaw re-signing with the Dodgers included a player option for the next season.
Kershaw’s contract also includes incentives for 2024 and 2025, which are predicated on starts made.
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