Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is reportedly grappling with a lingering shoulder injury, raising concerns as the postseason inches closer.
While the Dodgers are optimistic that Kershaw can pitch through the setback, the future Hall of Famer’s declining velocity has intensified the worries surrounding his condition.
Following his latest start, Kershaw faced a barrage of questions regarding his shoulder injury. Despite the noticeable dip in his pitch speed, the veteran left-hander refused to attribute his performance to the injury.
“I feel fine,” Kershaw said to reporters after the game. “Yeah, I feel fine. That’s not the problem. Yeah, I feel fine.”
Even when pressed about the possibility of taking a break to recover, Kershaw maintained his stance, repeating, “I feel fine.”
Reporters persisted in their pursuit of insights into the shoulder injury, but Kershaw remained resolute in his response, stating, “I feel fine, I don’t think so,” when asked if the shoulder was limiting him.
“I just need to keep going. I mean, there’s really nothing else to do just try and pitch better.” Clayton Kershaw had no excuses for himself after walking five Marlins. pic.twitter.com/iEqvMrNzuI
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 6, 2023
Kershaw also dismissed any notion that the velocity decline was indicative of a specific issue, emphasizing that he felt good physically.
With injuries sidelining pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May for the remainder of the season and uncertainty surrounding Julio Urías following his recent arrest, the Dodgers are heavily reliant on Kershaw going forward.
Should the Dodgers be worried about Kershaw’s dip in velocity?
To his credit, he’s still pitching very well. Hopefully the situation doesn’t get worse.
Assuming he’s healthy, do you think the Dodgers can beat the Braves in the playoffs?
