In a crushing blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason hopes, ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs due to a persistent toe injury. The 36-year-old veteran has been sidelined for five weeks, and despite his valiant efforts to recover, his body is refusing to cooperate.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news before the Dodgers’ 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, stating that Kershaw’s toe simply isn’t responding to treatment. The three-time Cy Young Award winner underwent shoulder surgery last offseason and made his season debut in late July, only to exit a start in August with a bone spur in his left big toe.
Kershaw attempted to compensate for the pain by adjusting his pitching mechanics, but it triggered discomfort in other areas of his body. The mental toll of trying to pitch through the injury became too much, leading him to shut down his throwing program.
The Dodgers will have to rely on their deep pitching staff, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Landon Knack, to carry them through the postseason. The team made a surprising roster move by selecting rookie right-hander Edgardo Henriquez, who boasts a triple-digit fastball, over veteran Joe Kelly.
Kelly’s absence is due to a shoulder injury sustained during a simulated game earlier this week, similar to the ailment that sidelined Brusdar Graterol. The Dodgers can only hope to have Kelly available if they advance to the World Series.
As the season draws to a close, Kershaw will once again face a difficult decision: to retire or pitch another season. His contract includes a $5 million player option with up to $20 million in performance incentives. While his shoulder and back are healthy, the lingering toe issue has taken a toll on his body and mind.
“I love to pitch, but I don’t want to keep getting hurt all the time,” Kershaw said. “I’ll have to weigh everything and figure it out.”
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