Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Has Simple Response to Questions Regarding Shoulder Injury

Short and sweet from the veteran.

Concerned about his health at this point in the regular season, many reporters in the Dodgers locker room asked about Clayton Kershaw's shoulder following a lackluster start to open their current series against the Marlins. 

Fielding questions like he would groundballs, the veteran southpaw took a simple approach to those inquiring about his current condition. 

And, every time he was asked about his shoulder postgame, he answered with the same three words: “I feel fine. I can’t pitch the way I pitched tonight,” Kershaw said. “That’s not good.”

via Jack Harris, LA Times

Many fans and reporters noticed a significant dip in the lefty's velocity and Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts didn't encourage any doubters by stating the starter's shoulder issue was still present even after an extensive stay on the injured list earlier in the year. 

With Lance Lynn struggling on the field against Atlanta and Julio Urias' arrest off the field, Kershaw's health has become all the more important to the Dodgers' title hopes in 2023. 

Should the veteran continue to struggle and grit through starts, it's possible that he won't be right for October which could spell disaster for LA's championship aspirations if hitters continue to get on base like the Marlins did against him. 

In just five innings of work, Kershaw's command and velocity both waned, missing with balls at the bottom of the strike zone and leaving hanging pitches up for Miami to attack. 

Surrendering an uncharacteristic five walks on Tuesday alongside five more hits that included two home runs, Kershaw's best stuff certainly wasn't on display in his most recent start. 

Though the pitcher himself may state he's alright and will continue to make starts, it's still very alarming to see someone who's been so successful continue to struggle with injury this late into the year