Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw recently took a significant step in his recovery from left shoulder surgery by pitching three innings in his first rehab start. During the game at Class A Rancho Cucamonga, Kershaw showed promising signs, allowing only one run and two hits. Additionally, he managed to strike out five batters while walking only one. Despite a pitch clock violation, Kershaw seemed pleased with his performance and expressed his satisfaction by stating, “I checked all the boxes.”
Progress and Optimism
Kershaw’s rehab outing was met with enthusiasm not only from himself but also from fans in attendance at LoanMart Field. The three-time Cy Young Award winner highlighted that he felt good about his progress, indicating that his pitches were registering between 88 to 90 mph. With a positive outlook on his recovery, Kershaw mentioned that he hopes to focus more on his pitching skills rather than his health concerns in the near future.
Despite Kershaw’s encouraging performance in his rehab start, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced challenges in their pitching rotation recently. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s injury has left him sidelined indefinitely due to a strained rotator cuff. Moreover, Walker Buehler, who underwent a second Tommy John surgery, was placed on the injured list after being hit by a line drive on his hip during a game against Colorado. These setbacks have placed additional pressure on the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
As Kershaw continues to make progress in his recovery, the Dodgers anticipate that he will undergo several more rehab starts before rejoining the team. Following his left shoulder surgery last November, Kershaw has demonstrated dedication to his rehabilitation process and a strong desire to return to the field. With his determination and the support of his teammates, Kershaw is poised to make a significant impact upon his return to the Dodgers’ rotation.