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Los Angeles Dodgers fans have had an incredible week, from World Series hero Kirk Gibson’s emotional first pitch to perennial MVP candidate Mookie Betts’ walk-off home run.
Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw intends to continue the Dodgers’ rash of good news.
Betts returned from a lingering stomach illness, one that saw him nearly 20 pounds, to record two homers and four RBI in his first two games. We can’t blame fans for briefly fearing Betts would join Kershaw on the 60-day injured list.
Instead, Betts is healthy and playing like himself. Kershaw, who turned 37 earlier this month, is ready to do the same.
Saturday marked Kershaw’s first time facing live hitters this year. The three-time NL Cy Young winner is currently on the 60-day injured list, recovering from knee and toe surgeries.
“I think overall it’s good progress,” Kershaw, a 10-time All-Star, told reporters Friday.
“I’m not going to be happy until I’m out on the mound,” Kershaw added, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. “But I think everybody – doctors and training staff – would say I’m doing what I need to be doing.”
Kershaw added that he’s “encouraged” by his progress. He said he hopes to pitch in games, either on a rehab assignment or in the majors, by late May.
“It feels way better than it did,” Kershaw said. “It’s getting there. I don’t know if I would say it’s where I want it, but it’s getting there.”
Although the Dodgers have a full rotation, Kershaw’s continued recovery is excellent news for the World Series favorites. Kershaw is only two seasons removed from posting a 2.46 ERA and 3.7 bWAR — his best since 2017 — across 24 starts.
However, various injuries limited Kershaw to a 4.50 ERA in seven starts last year. He did not pitch during the Dodgers’ World Series run.
Kershaw is 212-94 with a 2.50 ERA and 2,968 strikeouts in 17 seasons. Barring a setback, he should reach 3,000 strikeouts this summer.
Health Setbacks Undercut Preparations
Despite the festive atmosphere, the team faced significant hurdles as a key player valued at $6.5M was sidelined due to health issues. This development compounded the challenges brought on by Mookie Betts being unable to play, intensifying concerns about the team’s prospects as they prepared for a pivotal clash. The sidelined players leave a noticeable void in the lineup and shift the focus towards other members of the roster stepping up under pressure.
Anticipating a Daunting Clash
The combination of celebrating victories and confronting unforeseen setbacks has added an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming match. Missing crucial contributors casts a shadow over what should have been a straightforward start to the season. The team’s ability to adjust their strategy and resilience in the face of these challenges will be key as they head into one of their most demanding games of the opening day.
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