Some interesting news may have been lost with the announcement that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw had shoulder surgery.
Kershaw underwent surgery on Friday morning to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and the capsule in his left shoulder. This issue may have been plaguing him over the second half as he originally landed on the Injured List in July with shoulder soreness. He was originally expected to miss a short time, but was told to keep resting after another MRI in the middle of the month. Kershaw returned in August, but his stuff was not the same. Now we know why.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw not done yet
But that was not the only news in Kershaw’s announcement. He mentioned that he “hopeful to return to play at some point next summer.” That should be news as well as Kershaw’s future had been in doubt over the previous two offseasons. He had taken a pair of one year deals as he debated whether or not he wanted to hang up his cleats. That no longer seems to be a concern.
He still appears to have plenty left in the tank. While his disastrous postseason outing will remain in everyone’s memory, he had another stellar regular season. Kershaw posted a 2.46 ERA and a 1.063 WHiP over his 131.2 innings, striking out 137 batters with 40 walks. Although he will turn 36 years old before the start of the season, he is still one of the better pitchers in the game.
It is just a matter of getting him on the mound. Injuries have kept Kershaw from making at least 30 appearances since 2015. In fact, he has not made at least 25 appearances since 2019. However, getting a healthy Kershaw back for the second half could make a tremendous difference. And maybe, he will make up for his postseason struggles as well.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw had shoulder surgery on Friday. And it appears that he will return for 2024.
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