Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-hander, Clayton Kershaw, has been placed on the injured list after battling inflammation in his pitching shoulder for the past six days. This setback forced Kershaw to miss his scheduled 17th start of the season. Michael Grove has been called up from Triple-A to replace Kershaw in the starting lineup, while Gavin Stone has been added to the roster to provide additional support in the bullpen. Kershaw, who recently received a cortisone injection, could potentially return to the lineup as early as July 15, which is the Dodgers’ second game after the All-Star break. The team remains hopeful that he will be able to make a swift recovery.
Kershaw’s Impact on the Dodgers
Throughout the first half of the season, Kershaw has been a vital component of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The 35-year-old left-hander has been instrumental in leading the team, boasting a record of 10-4 with an impressive 2.55 ERA. He has also recorded 105 strikeouts in 95 1/3 innings, consistently delivering strong performances. Kershaw’s exceptional performance earned him his 10th selection to the All-Star Game. However, his absence will require the National League to find a suitable replacement for him in the roster.
Kershaw expressed his disappointment that his young son will not be able to witness him pitch in Seattle. Despite this setback, Kershaw remains optimistic and has continued to engage in baseball activities, such as playing catch in the outfield prior to Monday’s game. He is determined to make a successful comeback and continue contributing to the team’s success.
Challenges Faced by Kershaw
Over the years, Kershaw has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. From 2010 to 2015, he showcased his unrivaled skills by maintaining an average of 222 innings per season, accompanied by an impressive 2.24 ERA. However, since then, Kershaw has struggled with injuries, failing to surpass the 200-inning mark and making frequent trips to the injured list.
The 2023 season appeared to be a promising one for Kershaw, with his fastball velocity and slider movement showing signs of improvement. He had implemented hip mobility exercises to alleviate the strain on his troublesome back. Unfortunately, during his recent start in Colorado, Kershaw felt that his performance was not up to his usual standards. Despite this, he attempted to delay his placement on the injured list in order to make his next scheduled start. However, time ran out, and he ultimately had to concede to the team’s decision.
Reflecting on his situation, Kershaw expressed his frustration at not being able to complete a full season without injury. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the importance of taking a break at this point in the season, especially with the upcoming All-Star break. Although he had hoped to skip a start and return to the mound, Kershaw understands the team’s need to prioritize roster decisions.
In summary, Clayton Kershaw’s recent placement on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching shoulder has undoubtedly posed a challenge for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the team remains optimistic about his recovery and anticipates his return to the roster following the All-Star break. Kershaw’s absence will be felt, as he has been a key contributor to the team’s success in the first half of the season. Despite the setbacks he has faced throughout his career, Kershaw’s determination and resilience continue to inspire confidence in his ability to overcome challenges and make a triumphant comeback.
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