Clayton Kershaw Still Hopeful For July-August Return

Clayton Kershaw returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 17th season by signing a one-year contract that includes a player option for 2025, but he is in the midst of a long recovery after undergoing surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder.

Kershaw has been increasing his buildup, which includes throwing bullpen sessions. He also got onto the mound at Dodger Stadium, and tossed some curveballs for the first time.

Things are going well for him thus far, and the left-hander remains hopeful that he will be able to return to game action in late July-early August, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

The forecast of a “July/August-ish” return to action remains, he said.

“I just had no expectations. I had no idea what to expect,” Kershaw said. “Dr. ElAttrache is confident in the timeline. I trusted him and so far it’s going great.”

Kershaw has been with the team at Dodger Stadium, but returns home to Texas when the club goes on a road trip. It has allowed him to spend more time with his family, while also continuing to stay in close contact with the Dodgers’ training staff.

The next big step for Kershaw is facing hitters in a live bullpen session, which could also include simulated games. From there, he will need roughly a month, if not a little longer, to build up his arm in rehab starts before making his return.

Despite dealing with the significant shoulder injury during the second half of the 2023 season, Kershaw still finished the year 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 24 starts.

It’s unfair to expect elite production when he returns this season, but he could still be a valuable member of their rotation if all things go well.

Clayton Kershaw: Shoulder surgery recovery ‘feels different in a good way’

Kershaw compared his recovery from shoulder surgery to previous injuries and said the current one feels a lot different.