Clayton Kershaw, out since late August with a toe injury, will not pitch again this season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It’s over for Clayton for 2024,” manager Dave Roberts said before Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
Kershaw, 36, is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and has appeared in 10 All-Star Games. He did not pitch until July 25 after undergoing offseason surgery on his left shoulder. He was placed on injured reserve on August 31 with a left big toe injury.
“Clayton did everything he could to get healthy and give himself a chance to make the playoffs,” Roberts added. “Unfortunately, where he is right now, his toe is just not cooperating. In fact, it’s now worse. »
Kershaw was left out for the series against the Padres before Roberts confirmed his season was over.
“It’s too bad he can’t throw for us,” receiver Will Smith said. I know he will be there every day to encourage us and help us in any way he can. »
Kershaw was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts. Because of his toe, he couldn’t throw the way he wanted and other parts of his body were overcompensating.
He said doctors assured him he did not need an operation.
“It’s something that takes time and that’s the worst part, because I’m not patient,” Kershaw said last week. My arm, I keep it in shape as best as I can. I really think when my toe gets better, I’ll be ready to throw. I need to get close to 100% to be able to cast. »
The southpaw was eager to redeem himself after his poor performance in last year’s playoffs. Kershaw was hammered by the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, allowing six hits and six runs in the first inning.
His postseason earned run average is 4.22 in 194 innings pitched. His regular season ERA of 2.48 is the best of any MLB pitcher who has thrown at least 1,500 innings since 1920.
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