Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw 'Still Enjoys' the Game Despite Challenges with Health

While Clayton Kershaw has physical challenges, he still enjoys playing the game.

The Dodgers secured their 10th NL West crown in 11 years on Saturday night and, fittingly, the game was started by long time ace Clayton Kershaw. The 2023 season has been a bit of a struggle for the left-hander. He's dealt with a shoulder injury in the second half that has limited him on the mound.

After 16 seasons, Clayton Kershaw says he still enjoys playing the game of baseball. However, he gets frustrated when his physical condition limits his pitching.

“I’m not gonna lie, it’s been hard,” Clayton Kershaw said. “It’s been hard mentally. You just kind of feel like a shell of yourself at times. But it’s worth it. It’s worth it in the end. I still enjoy it. I still enjoy the grind of it.”

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“I’m not gonna lie, it’s been hard,” Kershaw told The Athletic. “It’s been hard mentally. You just kind of feel like a shell of yourself at times. But it’s worth it. It’s worth it in the end. I still enjoy it. I still enjoy the grind of it. I still enjoy trying to be at my best every single time. That part doesn’t change. It just might be a little bit harder to get there.

“For me, it’s all about performance at this point. Health is irrelevant. It’s just about performing well to be able to be a part of it. So that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Via The Athletic

Before June 27th, Kershaw was pitching great, and he looked as if he would compete for his fourth National League Cy Young Award. Something happened to his shoulder during his start at Coors Field and he spent 44 days on the injured list while the team slow played his recovery.

Kershaw returned to the Dodger starting rotation in early August. He pitched well in his first few starts off the IL, featuring a new changeup.

Then, both Kershaw’s velocity and command deteriorated. Before his second to last start against the Miami Marlins, Dave Roberts revealed Kershaw was pitching with a sore shoulder. During his 11-day break, has worked with pitching coach Mark Prior to fix some mechanical problems in his delivery. 

In the early goings of Saturday night's game, things looked tough for Clayton. He looked uneasy on the mound and was having a hard time locating his pitches. But he settled down in the third and fourth innings and ultimately put together a solid 4 shutout innings in the eventual LA win.

The Dodgers will need Kershaw ready to go in October, in whatever capacity he can provide. He should make two more starts before the regular season ends.