A few days ago, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder soreness. The 35-year-old pitcher, who signed a new one-year, $20 million contract with the Dodgers in December, has pitched quite well this season.
The Dodgers have been hampered by injuries throughout the season and are currently 0.5 games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West division. Multiple players in their starting rotation are on the IL, and it is a tough period to overcome for them.
In this article, we will talk about the estimated return of Kershaw to the Dodgers lineup and how it will impact the NL West team's performance going forward.
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When will Clayton Kershaw return from injury?
As of now, Clayton Kershaw is targeting a return to the mound right after the All-Star break. The Dodgers will face the New York Mets in a three-game series starting on July 15, and we can expect to see the nine-time All-Star pitch in it.
The Dodgers are currently 49-38, with a 6-4 record in their last ten games. If they want to win the NL West division title, they'll have to go on a run, and Kershaw will be required to do so. So far this season, the star pitcher has played 16 games, in which he has a record of 10-4 with a 2.55 ERA and 105 strikeouts.
The Dodgers have been terrorized by injuries to their starting pitchers
As previously stated, the Dodgers have been terrorized by injuries this season. Apart from Kershaw, members of their starting rotation, Dustin May, Noah Syndergaard, Walker Buehler, and Ryan Pepiot, are all on the injured list. Given the circumstances, the team from LA has done quite well to remain in contention for another division title.
While Kershaw, Syndergaard, and Pepiot are expected to return in July, May is out for the season, and Buehler's return is also uncertain. Bobby Miller has stepped up to be a reliable option in their absence, and Emmet Sheehan is also making good progress.