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Dodgers Get Excellent Update on Clayton Kershaw's Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:45 PM ET

At some point this month, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to add Clayton Kershaw back to the rotation. According to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett, the left-handed starter is expected to make one more rehab start and will be eligible to leave the IL and rejoin the Dodgers on May 18th.

Kershaw, getting up there in age at 37 years old, might not be the same type of arm he once was. His fastball velocity has been down during his rehab assignment, but according to Dave Roberts, he isn't too worried about his southpaw getting up to speed.

“I think that Clayton is always going to want more velocity,” Roberts said. “I think he is dialing it up because when he gets here, he wants to be ready. From what I hear, he’s throwing the baseball well. It’s certainly not major-league competition, but I know Clayton is doing everything he can to, once he gets here, be the best pitcher he can be to help us win baseball games. He’s not just checking boxes, going through the motions."

Despite Kershaw not being the same type of arm he once was, he was still decent during the 2023 season, which is the last time he's thrown in more than seven games.

He posted a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP that season, something the Dodgers would love to add to the rotation if he can be anything similar.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Most Valuable Player, 10-time All-Star, and much more, the future Hall of Famer has done nothing but throw the baseball at a high level throughout his career.

Even if he's half of that, the Dodgers would be adding an elite starter to their already deep rotation when healthy.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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