Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Says LA is Pushing Back Clayton Kershaw’s Start Again

He's clearly not 100%.

After reports surfaced that his shoulder issue is still lingering in the last few weeks, Clayton Kershaw's spot in the rotation has been pushed back even further than initially anticipated. 

Originally slated to come back to the mound this Friday in an already pushed back start, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said that his veteran arm will take another day off before returning to the mound.

Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw will actually start on Saturday in Seattle, not Friday

He maintained it wasn’t injury/health-related, but rather so they could line up Kershaw’s pitching schedule for the rest of the regular season. Kershaw will throw a “heavy” bullpen tomorrow

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 11, 2023

Ailing at the worst possible time, it's another postseason that could unfortunately be hurt by injury for the dominant southpaw and LA staple. 

Even after he sat out for six weeks to allow his shoulder to heal, Kershaw's condition has been the topic of discussion on the minds of many Dodgers fans and front office personnel with the postseason just weeks away. 

Notably struggling with command and velocity in his most recent start against the Marlins, even if Kershaw himself indicated that he's not missing any more time, such a decision may be best to get him fully healthy for a playoff run where his services will be very much needed. 

Concerning on all levels, the Dodgers rotation has already received a massive shakeup due to Julio Urias being placed on administrative leave and struggles from Lance Lynn becoming more apparent by the day. 

Without Kershaw at 100 percent, more of the onus to win it all will be on the shoulders of various Dodgers rookies including Ryan Pepiot, Bobby Miller and possibly Emmet Sheehan. 

As the offense has struggled to open the month of September, LA's pitching that was so solid to end the month of August has reared its ugly head in recent weeks for both the rotation and the bullpen. 

Impacted at the worst possible time with yet another late season injury, the lefty legend and future Hall of Famer is still gritting through one more year hoping to capture another World Series ring.