Clayton Kershaw Makes Season Debut Amid Ongoing Injury Challenges for Dodgers
Los Angeles – In a much-anticipated return, Clayton Kershaw made his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, facing off against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. After undergoing knee and toe surgeries last fall, Kershaw stepped onto the mound for the first time this season, marking his 18th year with the team and tying the franchise record held by Bill Russell and Zack Wheat.
"I’ve been super grateful for the Dodgers to keep giving me these opportunities to come out and pitch," said Kershaw in a pre-game interview. He emphasized his commitment to the team, highlighting, "I want to go out there and pitch."
Kershaw’s return began with promise as he struck out the first batter he faced, Zach Neto, using a foul-tip slider. However, the outing swiftly turned troublesome, with the Angels scoring three runs in the first inning and ultimately tagging Kershaw for five runs over four innings. He threw 83 pitches, averaging a fastball speed of 89.2 mph, with a peak at 90.9 mph. Observers noted that his pitch location was notably off during the game.
At 37, this season has been marked by challenges for Kershaw, including a limited appearance in 2024 due to shoulder surgery. He did not participate in the Dodgers’ World Series run last October and has not completed 25 starts in a season since 2019. As a result, both Kershaw and the Dodgers are cautious about his workload this year, accepting whatever contributions he can manage.
Despite Kershaw’s return, the Dodgers’ pitching roster continues to face significant hurdles, with seven starting pitchers on the injured list. Notable names include Shohei Ohtani, currently rehabbing from elbow surgery, and Blake Snell, nursing shoulder inflammation. In total, the current rotation includes Kershaw, along with a mix of active and recovering pitchers.
Injury Updates and Team Depth
Recent updates indicate that Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are making progress. Glasnow has begun a throwing program and could soon progress to mound work, while Snell was cleared for a throwing program. Nonetheless, both face several more weeks before rejoining the active roster.
Kershaw had participated in five minor-league rehab starts before returning to the Dodgers, posting a commendable 2.57 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 21 innings. His focus during these games was on regaining his pitching feel, rather than chasing immediate results, a testament to his veteran experience.
In a significant personal milestone, Kershaw’s two strikeouts on Saturday brought him to 2,970 career strikeouts, placing him just 30 strikeouts shy of joining the exclusive 3,000-strikeout club. This achievement would elevate him among only four left-handed pitchers in history, joining the ranks of Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia.
Dodgers’ Remarkable Start
Despite the injury challenges, the Dodgers have ventured into May with the best record in baseball at 29-16, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. Kershaw’s activation for this game marked the 13th different starting pitcher the Dodgers have utilized this season—a league high.
Conclusion
Kershaw’s return, even amidst difficulties, reflects both his enduring talent and the Dodgers’ struggle with injuries. As the season progresses, his performances will be critical not just in terms of individual achievement but also in helping the Dodgers maintain their strong position within the league. The team’s ability to adapt and recover from adversity will be pivotal in their pursuit of postseason success.
