The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation, brimming with talent, faces a lingering question: When will future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw make his long-awaited return? The 36-year-old left-hander, sidelined since August 2023 due to a toe injury and subsequent shoulder surgery, has been grinding through a meticulous rehab process. With the Dodgers set to face the Miami Marlins in a pivotal series, fans are clamoring for updates on Kershaw’s status. But as hope builds, a harsh reality looms—one that dashes expectations for his involvement in the upcoming clash.
Why Clayton Kershaw won’t face the Marlins
Despite steady progress, Clayton Kershaw will not take the mound against the Marlins. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the lefty remains ineligible to return from the 60-day injured list until May 18, per MLB rules. His current rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he’s slated to throw 75 pitches over five innings on Tuesday, is part of a carefully mapped buildup. Even with no setbacks, the calendar simply won’t align for a Marlins appearance.
Rehab timeline and physical hurdles
Clayton Kershaw’s path back has been deliberate. After undergoing offseason surgeries to repair his shoulder and left big toe—the latter sidelining him for the entire 2023 postseason—he’s focused on rebuilding stamina. His last outing on April 22 with Double-A Tulsa saw him toss three innings, a stepping stone toward stretching his workload. Tuesday’s Triple-A start aims to push him closer to MLB readiness, but the Dodgers’ caution is evident.
2024 struggles and 2025 redemption
Last season marked Kershaw’s least productive in the majors: a 4.50 ERA over just 30 innings, coupled with career lows in starts (7) and wins (2). This offseason, he inked a one-year, $7.5 million deal laden with performance incentives, signaling his commitment to rebound. A return would also cement his legacy, tying Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the longest Dodgers tenure (18 seasons)—a testament to his loyalty in an era of roster flux.
Shohei Ohtani’s looming return
While Clayton Kershaw eyes a mid-May comeback, teammate Shohei Ohtani’s eventual return to pitching adds another layer of intrigue. Though Ohtani’s timeline remains vague, Kershaw is poised to beat the two-way star back to the mound, offering the Dodgers a strategic boost as summer approaches.
LA Dodgers’ strategy without Kershaw
In Kershaw’s absence, the Dodgers will rely on their deep rotation—featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Bobby Miller—to stifle the Marlins. Miami’s offense, ranking near the bottom in runs scored, presents a manageable challenge, but Kershaw’s veteran presence will be missed in high-leverage moments.
Assuming smooth progress, Clayton Kershaw could rejoin the Dodgers by late May, potentially debuting in a home series against the Cincinnati Reds. His return will hinge on arm strength and pain tolerance, especially given his recent surgeries. For now, the Dodgers prioritize longevity over urgency, aware that a healthy Kershaw could be their X-factor in October.