Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Gives Update on Return Timeline From ‘Weird’ Injury

The star pitcher has been out of the lineup since June 27 due to lingering left shoulder inflammation.

Clayton Kershaw’s return from his latest frustrating injury may have to wait until, at least, early August based on comments made by the Dodgers ace and manager Dave Roberts on Friday.

Kershaw, 35, has been resting and receiving treatment in recent weeks due to “cranky” left shoulder inflammation that forced him out of a June 27 win over the Rockies. The left-handed ace received a cortisone shot for the injury the following day and eventually landed on the 15-day injured list on July 3, retroactive to June 30.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Dodgers were optimistic that Kershaw, who was selected to his 10th All-Star game, would be able to re-join the lineup. However, as he confirmed to reporters, a frustrated Kershaw now expects to be out for a few more weeks due to concerns stemming from an MRI he underwent before the break.

“I’ve never had anything like it in my career,” Kershaw told reporters, via the Associated Press. “If I didn’t get an MRI, I’d probably be pitching this weekend, but I did, and it showed enough to where doctors told me I need to take a few weeks so that’s what I’m going to do.”

While the extent of his injury has not yet been made public, Kershaw went on to note that he feels “fine” before calling the injury “weird.”

“It’s the weirdest thing,” Kershaw said. “I feel completely fine. The shoulder feels good. I’ve just been told it has to rest. It’s a weird deal. I’ve never had anything like it, to the point where, like I’m gonna go play catch [Friday] and throw it as hard as I can, and they say it needs to rest. It’s just weird, honestly. I don’t know what to make of it. But I’m just gonna have to listen to them.”

Kershaw’s comments echoed sentiments shared by Roberts during an interview with MLB Network Radio, where he stated L.A. hoped to get the three-time Cy Young winner back “at the beginning of August.”

With big question marks surrounding his status, the oft-injured Kershaw will have to wait a little longer to resume his impressive season as he and the Dodgers’ medical staff—helmed by renowned physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache—continue monitoring his injury.

Kershaw has provided stability to a floundering L.A. rotation in 2023, posting a 10–4 record in 16 starts and tallying 105 strikeouts and a 2.55 ERA in 95.1 innings pitched.