Clayton Kershaw hopes to join the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, even though his foot injury isn’t on the mend.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner did not pitch this week in practice.
Kershaw was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 31 because of a sprain in his left big toe. And he hasn’t played since July 25 with a shoulder injury.
“I’m not going to quit,” Kershaw said Thursday before the final game of the series between the Dodgers and Padres. I will continue to try every day. Maybe it will get better. I am waiting for that day to come. »
Because of his toe, Kershaw can’t throw the way he wants to and other parts of his body are overcompensating.
“Whenever my toe gets better, I’m sure it’s fine, but other problems arise when I don’t throw normally,” he continued.
The 36-year-old left-hander was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts before the injury.
Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw still needs to get stronger, pitch in the bullpen and face hitters.
“He won’t be able to help us for a few weeks, but we’ll see how he progresses and how we progress in the playoffs,” Roberts said.
Kershaw said doctors assured him he didn’t need surgery.
“It’s a waste of time, I think, which is the worst thing because I don’t like it,” Kershaw said. I did my best to prepare my arm. I really thought when my toe was fine, I was ready to throw. I have to get close to 100% to cast. »
Kershaw is eager to redeem himself after last year’s playoff debacle. The Arizona Diamondbacks eliminated him in Game 1 of the National League Sectional Series, allowing six hits and six runs in the first inning.
His postseason earned run average was 4.22 in 194 innings pitched.
His regular season earned run average of 2.48 was the best of any pitcher in major league baseball who threw at least 1,500 innings since 1920.
Kershaw signed a one-year contract in February with a US$5 million option for 2025, which, if he is healthy at the end of this season, could increase to $15 million depending on the criteria involved in the beginning or phases of relief.