Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Reveals Unsettling Update on Clayton Kershaw

Not what you want to hear just before October.

Needing his services due to the concerns with their rotations, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts mentioned that one of his best remaining healthy arms may not actually be recovered after his extensive stay on the injured list. 

Ahead of Clayton Kershaw's start to open their road trip in Miami, Roberts alluded to the fact that his southpaw and veteran on the staff may not be healed from his shoulder issue that took away six months of his season already. 

Roberts: "It is what it is. Guys say that and I hate that answer. But it’s where he’s at. So it’s where he’s at. He’s able to make a start and that’s where he’s at. I can’t give it any more color. I really can’t.”

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 5, 2023

Los Angeles simply cannot afford to lose their one of their best remaining starters ahead of the postseason, but the results for Kershaw haven't exactly quelled any doubts that he's back to normal. 

Unable to go deep into games like he's previously done in years past, Kershaw's return from his shoulder ailment has been one of grit and toughness rather than outright dominating lineups in each of his starts since coming back to LA's rotation.  

The most concerning indication that Kershaw may not be right was a significant drop in velocity against the Marlins. 

Losing two ticks on his fastball in his most recent appearance, the lefty also struggled with significant traction on the bases, surrendering five hits and walks apiece. 

Giving up two home runs for three earned runs total, it's clear that Kershaw isn't looking the same after both Jake Burger and Josh Bell took him deep in Tuesday's game. 

Should Kershaw need another stay on the injured list, it'd be interesting to see who takes his spot in the rotation to fully get the veteran ready for October baseball. 

Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Pepiot and Bobby Miller have all shown that they could contribute to the playoff rotation, but Gavin Stone and Walker Buehler's recent piggyback performance at Triple A could also factor into Roberts' postseason plans. 

October is quickly approaching and Kershaw's health will be a key factor if the Dodgers want another ring by season's end.