The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to commence their 2024 MLB playoff campaign without their star pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, further complicating their competitive prospects. Following a tough season marred by injuries, Kershaw has officially been ruled out for the entire postseason due to a lingering bone spur in his toe that has plagued him since August. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news to reporters ahead of the team’s National League Division Series matchup against the San Diego Padres, emphasizing the struggles Kershaw has faced in trying to recover. Despite his efforts to manage the injury, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving the team without one of its most accomplished players.
Kershaw’s history with injuries contributed to his decision to sign a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Dodgers last offseason. Acknowledging that he would begin the season on the injured list following shoulder surgery in 2023, Kershaw returned to the mound on July 25 and made seven starts before succumbing to his toe issue. The contract he signed ensures that he will earn his $5 million base salary for 2024, along with $2.5 million in performance incentives, but with Kershaw out of the postseason, he forfeits the substantial bonuses associated with playoff appearances. The financial ramifications, however, are far less significant than the emotional weight of potentially playing his last games as a Dodger.
The uncertainty regarding Kershaw’s future has sparked speculation about whether he has indeed played his final game in a Dodger uniform. Known for his tenacity and competitive spirit, Kershaw returned this season to make amends for an unceremonious elimination the previous year, where he allowed six earned runs in a mere inning during the postseason. Nevertheless, his performance this year regressed, as evidenced by a negative bWAR and a 4.50 ERA, marking a stark contrast to his previous seasons of dominance. With a troubling trend of injuries over the last several years and an extended absence from elite competitive form, retirement or a move to another team could be on the horizon for the beloved left-hander.
Aside from Kershaw, the Dodgers are grappling with additional injury challenges, most notably the exclusion of veteran reliever Joe Kelly from the NLDS roster. Kelly’s shoulder tweak during a simulated game further highlights the team’s pitching woes at a critical moment in the postseason. The absence of key pitchers, including Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Brusdar Graterol, poses a significant hurdle for the Dodgers as they face the Padres, a rival also experiencing its own struggles with injuries.
On the opponent’s side, the San Diego Padres are similarly impacted by key injuries, including that of All-Star starter Joe Musgrove, who is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. These developments illustrate the challenging landscape of postseason baseball, where health can prove to be the decisive factor in a team’s attempt at success. For the Dodgers, entering the playoffs with a depleted roster creates significant pressure on other pitchers to step up and deliver beyond their usual capacities, further complicating their playoff journey.
As the Dodgers and Padres prepare to clash in the playoffs, the absence of Kershaw serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless physical demands placed on athletes at the highest level. His journey, filled with accolades and achievements, now faces potential closure amidst injury struggles and uncertainty. For the Dodgers, finding a way to forge ahead without Kershaw will test their resilience and adaptability as they strive for postseason glory. The outcomes of this series will not only shape the immediate future of the team but will eventually influence the legacy of one of baseball’s most celebrated pitchers.
