Clayton Kershaw was in the midst of a rare dominant start at Coors Field when he asked to come out of the game after throwing just 79 pitches over six scoreless innings.
Following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ shutout win, Kershaw told reporters he simply didn’t feel fully healthy and felt being removed at that point was the best decision. Kershaw declined to provide specifics of what ailed him in the outing.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also remained vague into Wednesday, only offering that Kershaw did not have an MRI and the issue wasn’t with his back.
After multiple days of waiting, Kershaw revealed his injury to be left shoulder inflammation that was treated with a cortisone injection, via SportsNet LA:
“I pitched in the game and shoulder was a little cranky there in the sixth inning, so decided to shut it down. And then [Wednesday], got it checked out, but I didn’t get an MRI or anything. Got it checked out, and it’s just some inflammation. So got a shot and should let it sit for a few days, start playing catch and I think I should be good after that.”
Kershaw added he’s previously dealt with shoulder inflammation and a cortisone shot typically is a successful remedy, which has him optimistic:
“I’ve had some shoulder stuff in the past. It’s been like three or four years though, and usually the shots help pretty good. I’m somewhat optimistic that I should be good. I’m hopeful to not miss a start. Obviously, with the All-Star break coming up and stuff, we have some time to potentially shift things around.”
The projected Dodgers rotation has Kershaw lined up to start Monday in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and again on July 8 against the Los Angeles Angels in the team’s final game before the All-Star break.
Should Kershaw make that Freeway Series start, he would be ruled out from pitching in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Kershaw figures to earn his ninth career All-Star selection.
Clayton Kershaw should injury history
While back trouble has forced Kershaw to the injured list at least once during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022 seasons, he has also dealt with arm trouble.
In 2014, Kershaw landed on the IL because of a left shoulder strain, though that was more an injury of the teres major muscle that is located in the upper back area. In 2018, he was sidelined by left biceps tendinitis.
Then on Opening Day of the 2019 season, the Dodgers surprisingly put Kershaw on the IL because of left shoulder inflammation. He was activated just over two weeks later.
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