When the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw during the offseason to a one-year, $10 million contract that included a player option for 2025, they did so knowing that he would not be recovered from his left shoulder surgery until around the middle of the year.
Kershaw finished the 2023 regular season with a 13–5 record, 2.46 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 131.2 innings. It was the most innings he pitched since the 2019 season. When healthy, Kershaw showcased he still has the ability to be an impact starter for the Dodgers.
While Kershaw reported to Camelback Ranch for a physical and to make his signing official early in Spring Training, he then spent most of the time away from the team. The Dodgers were comfortable with Kershaw continuing the rehab process while at home with his family in Dallas.
As for the regular season, Kershaw initially is only going to be with the Dodgers for home games, according to Andy McCullough of the Athletic:
“For the first few months of the season, he plans to be with the team during homestands and return to Texas while the club travels.”
Kershaw received a loud ovation from fans in attendance for the Dodger Stadium opener. Per usual, he’s been seen going through a workout routine well before each of the Dodgers’ home games thus far and is in the midst of a throwing program as well.
The Dodgers currently have some of the best starting pitching depth in the Majors, whether it be veterans or young prospects with upside. The benefits are twofold, with the first that it allows Kershaw to rehab at his own pace and the second is that the Dodgers could manage his regular season workload so that he is at peak performance for a postseason run.
Clayton Kershaw on 60-day injured list
Roughly one month after re-signing Kershaw, the Dodgers placed him on the 60-day injured list as the corresponding move to making room on their 40-man roster for Andre Lipcius.
That was to be expected with Kershaw given his timeline, but the Dodgers will need to plan for his own 40-am roster move when it comes time to activate the left-hander.
Meanwhile, Lipcius was designated for assignment in order to add Daniel Hudson, and he later was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City after clearing waivers.
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