Pedro Oliveira
There is a new member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on the absentee list. Clayton Kershaw, who’s been injured for the first time this season is the news for the Dave Roberts-led team, which loses one of its top players of the 2022 Major League season. Although it has been the norm for the last few years of his career, the 34-year-old veteran will be on the injured list for at least 15 days for the first time since 2021.
The left-hander’s diagnosis is an inflammation in the sacral ligaments, which causes considerable pain in the pelvis and lower back area: Kershaw has already had several physical problems in this area during his 15-year pitching career. Thankfully, an MRI revealed that the injury should heal in less than two weeks because there was no structural damage, only inflammation.
Clayton Kershaw injured: his numbers so far in 2022
Kershaw himself made it clear that he was not feeling well at present, but that he should be recovered once his first stint on the injured list is over. On the current MLB season, he has posted a 4-0 record with a 1.80 ERA, 2.25 FIP, 0.73 WHIP, 32 strikeouts (along with an average of 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings) and just three walks in 30 innings pitched this season.
Garrett Cleavinger was called from the minor leagues to take his place in the bullpen on a temporary basis, while teammate Walker Buehler took his place on the mound today against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers are one of the best positioned teams of all the major leagues, with a 20-10 record in the NL West division right now, but the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants are well within a half-game and one-game of the lead, respectively. If the recovery period for Kershaw is not extended, Los Angeles has the team to face the rest of May without him in the rotation.
Of course, they would be much better off if Trevor Bauer was present, but he’s still in the appeal process following his two-year MLB suspension due to sexual and domestic abuse. Beyond that, the absence should not detract as much from Clayton’s chances of also competing for what would be a possible fourth Cy Young Award in his career. Does the Dodgers legend have a chance?
