When Is Clayton Kershaw Coming Back for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
By Peter Dewey
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was off to a terrific start in the 2022 season before going on the injured list with a back injury.
Through five starts, Kershaw was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA to lead the Dodgers, who are the favorites at WynnBET Sportsbook to win the World Series.
While it isn't an ideal start to the year, Kershaw appears to be progressing in his recovery.
Clayton Kershaw Latest Injury Update
Kershaw revealed that this back injury has been a bit challenging, but he is stretched out to throwing at 90 feet as he makes his way back to the Dodgers' rotation.
"I’m pretty familiar with back pain and how to deal with it,” Kershaw said Thursday. “This one has just been a little bit different than I’m used to. Sometimes I can bounce right back and other times I can’t. This one just has taken a little longer than I had hoped.
“Being hurt is just not what I signed up for. I don’t like doing it. It’s not fun. But hopefully, I’ll get this one out of the way and I’ll be good to go for the rest of the year.”
Clayton Kershaw rejoined the #Dodgers in Arizona Thursday optimistic about his recovery but lamenting his latest back injury. "I’ve thrown a lot of pitches and my back is going to be something that is a problem for me moving forward almost always."https://t.co/wL8k0XWFCG
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 27, 2022
Kershaw also revealed that he is hopeful that he will begin to throw off a mound soon, which would put him even closer to a return for Los Angeles.
Clayton Kershaw Complete Injury History
Clayton Kershaw has dealt with several back injuries in his career, but the Dodgers' ace has been able to fight through the past few seasons. Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in baseball when he's healthy, but let's take a look back at all of the injuries he's dealt with:
2021: Elbow Injury
Kershaw made 22 starts last season before being shut down the regular season and postseason due to an elbow injury.
2020: Back Stiffness
Kershaw still made 10 starts in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but he dealt with back stiffness early in the season.
2017-2018: Back Injuries
Kershaw dealt with lower back strains and discomfort in each of these seasons.
2016: Herniated Disc
This is likely the start of Kershawk’s back issues, as he made just 21 starts in 2016 with the injury.
2014: Should Strain
Prior to 2021, this was the only major arm injury that Kershaw has dealt with. He pitched in 27 games in 2014 and was a shocking 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA despite the injury.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.