Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Has Never Experienced This Type of Injury
Clayton Kershaw will be out until August with a shoulder injury that has been difficult to define.
"It's the weirdest thing. I feel completely fine," Kershaw said. "The shoulder feels good, I've just been told it has to rest."
Kershaw underwent an MRI before the All-Star break and, according to the 35-year-old pitcher, was advised by Dr. Neal ElAttrache that it "just needs to heal."
Kershaw last pitched in Colorado, exiting after six innings. He says that his shoulder "hurt in Colorado, but it doesn't hurt now."
He has been throwing without pain and is planning on throwing a bullpen session in the upcoming week. Kershaw was not forthcoming on diagnosing his injury.
"Doesn't need to be specific. We're not doctors here," Kershaw said. "We've just got to listen to the doctors. I'm trying to do the best I can."
Before going down with injury, Kershaw was having a vintage performance. The longtime Dodger was the first starting pitcher to reach 10 wins, and held a 2.55 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP.
Kershaw thinks that if the doctors had not run an MRI and advised he rest, he would feel healthy enough to return to the mound.
"If I didn't get an MRI, I'd probably be pitching this weekend," Kershaw said. "But I did, and it showed enough where the doctors told me I needed to take a few weeks. So that's what I'm gonna do."
Kershaw was named an All-Star, but was unable to play due to the injury.
It really isn't clear when Kershaw will be back on the mound for the Dodgers, who have gone 9-3 since their ace went down.
"It's hard to give an exact timeline, but the beginning of August, at some time around there, is sort of fair," said manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers will continue their series against the Mets Saturday at 4:15 p.m. PDT and Tony Gonsolin is expected to get the start.
