The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder soreness and recalled Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.
Kershaw’s IL stint was backdated to Friday, which makes Saturday, July 15, the earliest he can be activated. The Dodgers play their second game after the All-Star break that night against the New York Mets.
Kershaw had been the scheduled starter for the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but there never appeared to be much of a likelihood he would take the mound at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw asked to come out of his start last Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies due to what he later revealed was because of left shoulder inflammation.
Kershaw was treated with a cortisone injection and didn’t resume throwing until Saturday. He played catch again Sunday, and although Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there was progress, he also noted the longtime ace did not throw a bullpen session or any breaking pitches.
With Kershaw on the IL, his first half of the season has come to an end and also created an opening on the National League roster for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Kershaw’s 10th career All-Star selection tied the Dodgers franchise record that originally was held by Pee Wee Reese.
Kershaw is 10-4 with a 2.55 and 1.05 WHIP through 16 starts this season. He leads the NL in wins and now makes every member of the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation having gone on the IL at least once this year.
Michael Grove filling in
Grove is starting in Kershaw’s place Monday and could make another turn in the Dodgers rotation during the Freeway Series this weekend. Though, Roberts said the Dodgers could also elect to use an opener in front of Grove on Saturday.
The right-hander historically is a starter but has been utilized in different roles so far this year.
On June 23, Grove appeared out of the bullpen in a high-leverage situation, then he started at Coors Field five days later. The 26-year-old last followed an opener on June 9, but then made a regular start six days later.
Grove is 0-2 with a 7.54 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in nine games (seven starts) for the Dodgers this season. He was optioned June 29 but was eligible to get recalled this quickly due to replacing an injured player on the roster.
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