The Los Angeles Dodgers were optimistic when Clayton Kershaw rejoined the team before the MLB trade deadline, hoping their iconic starting pitcher could bolster a rotation hit hard by injuries. However, recent updates have raised significant concerns about their veteran starter.
Kershaw, 36, underwent surgery in November 2023 to repair ligament and capsule damage in his left shoulder. Despite this, the Dodgers re-signed him in February, aware he would miss the first half of the season.
Clayton Kershaw Career Stats (ESPN):
- ERA: 2.49
- WHIP: 1.01
- Strikeouts: 2,950
- Record: 210-93
- Innings Pitched: 2,720.1
The future Hall of Famer faced setbacks in his recovery, delaying his season debut with the Dodgers until July 25. In his first two starts post-injury, Kershaw allowed 9 earned runs and 18 base runners over just 7.2 innings.
Internal Concerns
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are privately worried about Kershaw’s performance since returning from the injured list. The 6-foot-4 left-hander is averaging just 90 mph on his fastball, a noticeable drop. Additionally, his splitter velocity has declined by nearly 2 mph (from 84.4 to 82.6) compared to last season. Even more troubling, Kershaw’s chase rate is only 29 percent, and his whiff rate stands at 20.5 percent, per Baseball Savant.
Clayton Kershaw’s Contract:
- 2024 Salary: $5 million
- 2025 Player Option: $5 million
While the Dodgers have welcomed back Tyler Glasnow and acquired Jack Flaherty before the trade deadline, they are still about a month away from getting starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto back. If Kershaw cannot improve, the Dodgers could face significant challenges with their pitching depth.
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