As the postseason approaches next week, the Dodgers will likely be without Clayton Kershaw until at least mid-October. Manager Dave Roberts informed reporters that the future Hall of Famer is “not going to be viable for a couple weeks,” according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Kershaw has been sidelined since late August due to bone spurs in his left big toe.
Earlier this week, Roberts mentioned that Kershaw was in a “holding pattern” with his rehab, which diminished the chances of him being available for the playoffs. With the Dodgers needing a win over the Padres on Thursday night to clinch the NL West and secure a first-round bye, their path to the NL Division Series next weekend looks promising.
However, Kershaw is not expected to return by then. The NLCS starts on October 13, and while there’s a possibility he could be back if the Dodgers advance, it’s uncertain. The team has already ruled out Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone for the entire postseason, and Kershaw’s status remains questionable.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jack Flaherty are set to pitch in the first two games of the postseason, with rookie Landon Knack likely starting Game 3. The Dodgers have struggled to get Walker Buehler back on track, and Bobby Miller was recently optioned back to Triple-A after a poor performance.
Kershaw wrapped up the regular season with a 4.50 ERA over 30 innings, making his debut shortly after the All-Star break due to rehab from shoulder surgery last November. He made seven starts, which is significant for his contract.
His two-year, $10M deal included various incentives, adding $2.5M to this year’s $5M base salary and increasing his player option for next year from $5M to $10M, with the potential to reach $25M if he makes 25 starts.
The Dodgers also provided updates on other injuries. Miguel Rojas, who left Wednesday’s game, has been diagnosed with a partially torn left adductor (groin) muscle. He plans to play through it in the postseason but will need offseason surgery.
Rojas has been a reliable starting shortstop, batting .283/.337/.410. He won’t play on Thursday, with Tommy Edman stepping in at shortstop and Andy Pages taking his place in center field.
Additionally, the bullpen is facing challenges as Brusdar Graterol will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Graterol has dealt with shoulder issues since spring training and also missed time this season due to a hamstring strain. He has only made seven appearances, pitching 7 2/3 innings with a 2.35 ERA. Graterol was one of MLB’s top relievers last year, posting a 1.20 ERA over 67 1/3 innings.
