Clayton Kershaw Starting To Feel Like ‘A Normal Pitcher’

Clayton Kershaw joined the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch this week as he continues his rehab from offseason shoulder surgery.

The Dodgers aren’t expecting Kershaw to contribute to the Major League roster until late July or August, and have afforded him the opportunity to spend the bulk of his rehab at home in Dallas.

The extra time with his family is something the future Hall of Famer has expressed a great deal of gratitude for, which also shows how highly he’s valued by the organization.

Early signs of his glenohumeral ligaments and capsule repair have been positive. Kershaw recently explained the current status of his left shoulder and where he’s at with his throwing program, per SportsNet LA:

“This is my fourth week of throwing. From week one to week four has been a world of difference for me. So it’s starting to feel like I’m actually a normal pitcher, I can actually play catch. Still a ways to go obviously, but the shoulder you can tell is healed, it feels good. And now it’s just like putting a lot of time and energy into building it back up and taking the right steps, not trying to go too fast. It’s not the easiest thing in the world for me to do, but it’s been good. I know I’ve got some time, so I’m just trying to take it.”

Entering his 17th season in Major League Baseball, Kershaw has spent his entire career with the Dodgers. Pitching without his best stuff, he complied a 2.46 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 24 starts this past year.

Both he and the Dodgers don’t have a clear timeline for his return to game action aside from their hope of a return in the Summer months.

Outlook for Clayton Kershaw in 2024?

Kershaw being several weeks into throwing, and now back with the team at Camelback Ranch, are all positive signs. The largest indicator, however, could be how his shoulder responds as his rehab continues.

The Dodgers have no timeline on what they expect from Kershaw, more so allowing him a long runway to get back to a good place in his health.

Kershaw doesn’t have the same pressure to return as a front-end option as he has in years past, with the front office loading up in the starting rotation this offseason.

A late season return for Kershaw is the best-case, but the option year built into his current contract safeguards a slow rehab process.