Los Angeles Dodgers lose Clayton Kershaw until September

The Los Angeles Dodgers were hoping to have Clayton Kershaw back in the coming days. He had originally landed on the Injured List back in July just before the All Star Break due to forearm inflammation, although that injury was not expected to keep him out long. Kershaw had progressed to playing catch, but had stopped as he was still feeling soreness.

Those plans have been pushed back. According to manager Dave Roberts, the Dodgers are now expecting that Kershaw should return sometime in September.

Los Angeles Dodgers right to play safe with Clayton Kershaw

Just a couple of weeks ago, such a result would have been disastrous. With Trevor Bauer on administrative leave for the foreseeable future, and essentially persona non grata in the Dodgers’ locker room, they were missing that second ace. However, the acquisition of Max Scherzer, as well as the eventual return of Cole Hamels, helps to alleviate those concerns.

This gives the Dodgers enough time to ensure that Kershaw is completely healthy before his activation. They can be certain that he will be healthy for the home stretch and into the postseason, giving them that two headed monster atop the rotation that they had been hoping for during the offseason.

Even if he is not the superstar that he had been earlier in his career, Kershaw has still proven to be one of the better pitchers in the game when on the mound. He had posted a 3.39 ERA and a 0.978 WHiP over his 106.1 innings, striking out 127 batters with just 19 walks. He has still been an ace for the Dodgers even as the injuries have taken their toll.

Now that he has the playoff monkey off his back, and that ring is finally a part of his collection, Kershaw should be ready to be exactly what the Dodgers need come October. His performance throughout the 2020 playoffs had to be a weight off of his mind, taking some of that pressure away. If he is healthy, the Dodgers would be in a strong position to defend their title.

The Los Angeles Dodgers do not expect Clayton Kershaw to be back until September. They are right to be cautious with their long time ace.