It's a fact in baseball that injuries will happen. All we can do as fans is accept that and root for good health and speedy recoveries for each player.
In good news this week, both Clayton Kershaw and DJ LeMahieu have taken big steps in their rehab assigments and may be close to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, respectively.
In unfortunate news, history has a way of repeating itself, and that's the case with Kris Bryant's lingering lower-back concerns.
MLB injury Updates on Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant, DJ LeMahieu
OF Kris Bryant, Colorado Rockies
Kris Bryant's injury-riddled 2024 season is following him into 2025, as his persistent back issues have him on the shelf again. The outfielder is going on his ninth IL stint with the Colorado Rockies since 2022.
Kris Bryant is headed to the IL pic.twitter.com/yfXE6oWbte
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 14, 2025
Not exactly the news that the 2016 MVP was looking for. Bryant was placed on the 10-day IL on April 14th with lumbar degenerative disc disease. He's gotten off to a slow start for the Rockies this season, batting.154 with only one RBI and 13 strikeouts.
Last season, back issues had him on the IL twice, and he's missed significant time (two months) back in 2022 because of similar health troubles. Since playing in 144 games between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants in 2021, Bryant has played in just 170 games for the Rockies since signing with Colorado prior to the 2022 season.
SP Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw just did something for the first time since August 30, 2024: pitch. He made his first rehab start on April 16 for the OKC Comets as they beat the Tacoma Rainiers 3-1.
Kershaw is recovering from surgery on multiple body parts, including his left shoulder, knee and toe. The latter has been giving him the most trouble in recovery thus far.
The southpaw and three-time Cy Young winner showed solid signs of revival in his first rehab assignment.
Back on the mound 😤
— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2025
Clayton Kershaw pitched three scoreless innings today in his first rehab start. pic.twitter.com/IqUcmZdl2t
The 37-year-old threw 30 pitches while giving up only two hits and striking out two across three shutdown innings where no runs were surrendered. Kershaw will be permitted to rejoin the Dodgers on May 17th, and all signs point to him returning to L.A. as soon as he is eligible.
3B DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees
A New York Yankee who is nearing his return from the IL is third baseman DJ LeMahieu. The two-time batting champion has been on the shelf since March 1st with a left calf strain.
DJ LeMahieu is progressing and could begin a Minor League rehab assignment early next week, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) April 17, 2025
He is projected to begin his rehab assignment in the coming days. The veteran has already faced live pitching while also getting the chance to take grounders on the infield dirt.
His recovery has been slow and steady, and the last thing the Yankees are going to do is rush him back. The 35-year-old is not the same player he was in his All-Star season in 2019. There's been some visible regression in his production with the Yankees since 2023.
He's also dealt with his fair share of injuries with his foot, wrist and triceps. But the three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger champion still carries defensive upside as a four-time Gold Glover. While his contributions won't return to his previous levels, his experience, leadership and strong work ethic are key components of the Yankees' locker room.
While he is inching closer to rejoining the Yankees, it won't be right away. Considering he missed most of the Grapefruit League's action this spring, his ramp-up process will be prolonged.