Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers will be sidelined for the entire 2024 postseason due to injury
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the 2024 postseason, but they will have to do so without the services of their veteran left-handed pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, who is a strong contender for the Hall of Fame.
Dave Roberts, the manager, revealed prior to Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series that Kershaw will not return to the mound this season.
“Clayton has put in a tremendous effort to keep pushing forward and trying to make it to the postseason,” Roberts commented. “However, his physical condition concerning the foot and toe is deteriorating, and this is where his season ends for 2024.”
Kershaw has been absent from the mound since August 30 when he pitched just one inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks before he had to leave due to a bone spur in his left big toe. The 36-year-old had been trying to maintain his readiness for the postseason, but now he will not be available for the National League’s top-seeded team.
“Unfortunately, the situation isn’t improving, so I’m unable to pitch,” Kershaw shared with the media. “I had to keep my arm engaged to have a shot, but that may have made this worse.”
While he mentioned surgery is “definitely on the table,” he has not made any concrete plans yet and will not think about his future until the season concludes.
“Right now, my priority is to support my team against the Padres. I will do my best to be a positive presence,” Kershaw added.
This season was challenging for the three-time Cy Young Award winner, as he signed a one-year contract before the season with the franchise he has been with throughout his MLB career. He had surgery last November to fix a torn capsule in his left shoulder, and his first game of the season was on July 25. In this season, he made 7 starts over 30 innings, achieving a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA, which is the highest of his 17-year career.
For the Dodgers, Kershaw’s absence adds to a list of pitching challenges as they advance into the divisional series. Their ace, Tyler Glasnow, has not pitched since August due to an elbow injury and is unlikely to take the mound this postseason. Additionally, veteran reliever Joe Kelly will also miss the NLDS because of a shoulder injury.
Jack Flaherty is slated to start Game 2 on Sunday after Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s opening game start, but the team has yet to announce any further pitching strategies for the rest of the series.
