Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Returning Right After the Break Not a Foregone Conclusion

Hopefully we can see him back on the mound soon..

As the Dodgers head into the All-Star break, they still have questions surrounding their pitching staff. Despite the team playing better of late, the issues that have plagued this team are still there and until proven otherwise, the pitching staff remains heavily as a wild card. The team opens a three-game series against the New York Mets once the break concludes and manager Dave Roberts has already announced that lefty Julio Urias would start in the first game back at Citi Field.

Everything else past the first game is up in the air but as the week goes on, we should get more clues to what they have planned. This includes the potential return of injured left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Roberts provided an update on when everyone should expect to see the veteran pitcher back out on the mound.

“I think every day has been better,” Roberts said of Kershaw, who has not pitched since June 27 in Colorado due to a sore shoulder. “From what I saw (in Kershaw’s flat-ground throwing session), it looks good. And he’ll just take his break. And we’ll see what we do from there.”

Per The OC Register

So the hope is that Kershaw won't be out too long after the All-Star break concludes. The team needs their ace to be healthy as he had been one of the more reliable and consistent members of their pitching staff despite all the issues this season. However, the good news is that Kershaw looked good during the throwing session so that's a start to his return.

Prior to his injury, Kershaw was having one of his better seasons in a long time. For the year, he has posted an ERA of 2.55 with 105 strikeouts over 95.1 innings. He has a record of 10-4 for the season as well. 

Roberts also added that Kershaw would likely throw at least one bullpen session to make sure that his injured shoulder tested okay before being given the okay to return. He likely won't need to throw to live hitters which is great news for the team.

The extra time off should allow Kershaw to heal up and it's better that they are being cautious with him due to his history of injuries. If the team can get Kershaw back sooner rather than later, it would give them a big boost in their rotation.