The Los Angeles Dodgers got a new pitcher back in the game on Saturday. Clayton Kershaw, a left-hander, finally made his season debut after dealing with knee and toe surgeries last fall. This marks Kershaw’s 18th season with the Dodgers, tying him with franchise legends Bill Russell and Zack Wheat. Kershaw expressed his gratitude towards the Dodgers for continuously giving him opportunities to hit the mound, stating that pitching is what he loves to do. He emphasized the importance of honoring commitments for maintaining longevity in the game. Despite a strong start with a strikeout, Kershaw struggled against the Angels, giving up multiple runs in the first inning and throughout the game. His fastball velocity remained consistent with previous years, but his overall performance fell short due to poor location.
In his previous season, Kershaw’s playing time was limited to only seven starts due to shoulder surgery, causing him to miss out on the team’s World Series run. With uncertainties surrounding his health, the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Kershaw, prioritizing his well-being over pushing him to make a certain number of starts this year. The team still faces challenges with a significant number of starting pitchers on the injured list, including notable players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell. Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a strong record in the league, leading with a 29-16 standing. The return of key players like Tyler Glasnow and Snell on the horizon indicates positive progress, although their full recovery is still weeks away.
Kershaw prepared for his comeback by participating in five minor-league rehab starts, showcasing his skills with an impressive 2.57 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 21 innings. The veteran pitcher focused on regaining his pitching form and adjusting to game situations rather than solely chasing after results. With two strikeouts in his recent game, Kershaw inches closer to joining the prestigious 3,000-strikeout club, a feat achieved by only a select few left-handed pitchers in the history of baseball. The Dodgers have rotated through an impressive thirteen different starting pitchers in the current season, facing challenges with roster adjustments due to multiple injuries. Despite the hurdles, the team’s resilience has shone through, maintaining their position at the top of the league standings. As Kershaw and other key players work towards full recovery, the Dodgers remain optimistic about their performance in the remainder of the season.
