Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star and free agent Clayton Kershaw underwent surgery on his left shoulder. He announced it on his Instagram page as doctors repaired his glenohumeral ligaments. Kershaw is expected to return at some point in the 2024 season. While it’s unclear how long Kershaw will be out, he had not previously committed to pitching. The left-hander is coming off a season where he pitched a 2.46 ERA with 137 strikeouts in 26 starts for the Dodgers, but he battled the shoulder injury as the year went on.
Clayton Kershaw Has Had Shoulder Issues
The three-time Cy Young Award winner suffered the injury on June 27 against the Colorado Rockies. After returning from the injured list in August, the southpaw made nine starts the rest of the season. Kershaw’s velocity on his four-seam fastball was down by three miles per hour from his average. His slider took a hit, and he lost command of his curveball at times. Due to his injury, Kershaw leaned on the changeup more than he has in recent years. His only postseason appearance saw him give up six runs with one out in the first inning of the NLDS loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s the first time in his career that Kershaw has undergone any surgery on this throwing arm.
Will Kershaw Return in 2024?
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman stated that the club will bring back Kershaw next season if he decides to. Or he could pitch with the Texas Rangers to stay close to home in the Dallas area. Kershaw has had two opportunities to leave the Dodgers in recent years but has remained with Los Angeles. He signed a three-year, $93 million extension in 2018, which extended his contract through the 2022 season. Following that, Kershaw signed a one-year deal to return to the Dodgers. He could very well sign the same contract this winter. Kershaw has spent his entire 16-year career in Los Angeles, becoming one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball.
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