Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Feels Good About Midseason Break for Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw works extremely hard for every start and needs a midseason break.

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Clayton Kershaw is on the verge of returning to the Dodgers' starting rotation after a nearly six week break while sidelined with shoulder inflammation.

Well timed shoulder inflammation, in the eyes of manager Dave Roberts.

In the grand scheme of things, Roberts doesn’t feel bad about Kershaw having a midseason break, as explained by Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.

But the midseason break has become a standard part of Kershaw’s seasons now...

“I don’t think he’d want to hear that. He works extremely hard to take down every start. But it just hasn’t played out that way in the last few years."

"For me, when he’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone. At different times, different years, different things have kind of put him on the IL, just truthfully. I know he’s frustrated with it, because some of the things are out of his power. But I really don’t know what to say. When he’s healthy, I love having him out there.”

Via OC Register

When Kershaw went on the IL with shoulder inflammation, he was on pace to pitch more innings than he has since 2019. At 35, he is still one of the best starters in the major leagues. He was in contention to win his fourth Cy Young Award and might have started his second consecutive All-Star Game.

The future Hall of Famer wants to take the mound every fifth day and pitch at least six innings. Most starters don’t have as strenuous a routine between starts as Kershaw has. He must maintain his core strength to keep his back healthy. Also, he is active in the community. He is a good father to four children. 

If he needs a six week rest in the middle of the grueling season and will perform at the highest level when he pitches, the Dodgers will take it until Kershaw decides to retire.