Latest MLB News: Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw delays return, targets August for comeback

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw announced on Friday that his return from a left shoulder injury is expected in August. Kershaw has decided to delay his comeback following consultation with team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Kershaw previously suffered a left shoulder soreness during his game against the Colorado Rockies on June 27. His condition had reportedly improved after a cortisone injection last week. However, the Dodgers still placed him on the 15-day injured list starting from June 30.

Before his injury against the Rockies, Kershaw showcased a remarkable performance with a 2.55 ERA and 3.1 WAR. His performance positioned him as a contender for his fourth career CY Young Award.

Despite the initial hope that Kershaw would be ready to return against the New York Mets after the All-Star break, the Dodgers exercised caution. The 35-year-old pitcher also acknowledges the need for additional healing time.

“If I didn’t get an MRI, I’d probably be pitching this weekend, but I did and it showed enough to where doctors told me I need to take a few weeks so that’s what I’m going to do,” Kershaw said.

The Dodgers refrained from announcing the MRI results, while Kershaw was visibly frustrated by the diagnosis. On Friday, he joined a catch session. He expressed his intention to conduct a bullpen session in Baltimore next week.

“It just needs to heal,” Kershaw said. “It doesn’t need to be specific. We’re not doctors here. We just gotta listen to the doctors. So try to do that as best I can but it’s just weird.”

On MLB Network Radio, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts conveyed the team’s hope for Kershaw’s readiness to return by August.

“I don’t think anyone has an exact time of return, but it’s going to be a slower progression that I’m sure Clayton doesn’t love. So I think for us, it’s kind of trying to figure out where we get Clayton back. Which is the hope at the beginning of August.”

Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager

The team is currently tied for first place with the Arizona Diamondbacks and boasts a deep starting rotation. According to sports journalist Bill Plunkett, Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin and Bobby Miller are slated to pitch in the upcoming three-game series at Citi Field.

Roster change before facing Mets

Prior to opening a three-game series against the Mets, the Dodgers made several roster moves on Friday. The roster changes included the reactivation of Chris Taylor from the injured list and the addition of outfielder Jake Marisnick.

Taylor’s activation follows a 15-game absence due to right knee soreness, during which he played two minor league rehab games. This season, he holds a .206 batting average with 11 home runs and 26 RBIs in 59 games. In the previous season, he recorded a .221 batting average with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs across 118 games.

Marisnick, who the Detroit Tigers recently outrighted, joined the Dodgers. During his time with Detroit, he posted a .232 batting average with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 33 games.

There were concerns regarding Marisnick’s time with the 2017 Houston Astros, who were later implicated in cheating allegations. However, the Dodgers did not seem to mind his association, as he was not on their post-season roster.

Furthermore, the Dodgers moved pitcher Shelby Miller to the 60-day injured list and sent outfielder Jonny DeLuca to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Miller had a 1-1 record and a 2.40 ERA in 25 relief appearances before landing on the injured list due to neck pain on June 21.

Meanwhile, sending DeLuca to Triple-A could give him a chance to hone his skills further and potentially get called up to the major league roster later on.