The 36-year-old left-hander expects to go on the 60-day injured list following offseason foot and knee surgery.
Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a $7.5 million, one-year contract on Thursday, bringing back the three-time Cy Young Award winner for his 18th big league season.
The 36-year-old left-hander expects to go on the 60-day injured list following offseason foot and knee surgery, but hopes to be close to ready when eligible to be activated, He’s been working out at Camelback Ranch, playing long toss and running after spending much of the offseason on crutches or in a walking boot.
The Dodgers announced the deal in a social media post.
Welcome back, Clayton! pic.twitter.com/DbTmzIBWMx
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 13, 2025
“I finally started to turn the corner a few weeks ago,” Kershaw said. “Being able to throw, all those things, it hasn’t felt this way in a while. So that’s good.”
Kershaw’s 18th season with the Dodgers would tie him with Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most in franchise history. The 10-time All-Star is coming off an injury-interrupted 2024 season in which went 2-2 record with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts, striking out 24 in 30 innings.
He did not pitch in the postseason for Los Angeles, which won the World Series for the second time in five years.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Breaks Silence About Pitching Status
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The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 MVP, Shohei Ohtani, became the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season.
On top of that, he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory last season.
However, during the offseason following the Fall Classic, Ohtani had shoulder surgery.
Ohtani addressed the media on Wednesday in a press conference after pitchers and catchers reported for spring training in Camelback Ranch.
He reiterated that he has not fully recovered from shoulder surgery but will be ready to DH on opening day and likely pitch starting in May, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Part of Ohtani’s greatness is his patience. Already recovering from Tommy John surgery a year ago, he doesn’t want to rush his health, nor do the Dodgers want to risk their Japanese phenom being sidelined for an extended period.
Ohtani is also expected to begin his throwing program as early as this week and potentially get a bullpen in.
It appears that Shohei is well on his way to recovery and being able to throw his first pitch as a Dodger.
The All-Star left-handed slugger has already made his impact on the team with his bat and speed.
The two-way star has not thrown an MLB pitch since August of 2023.
It’s also important to note that Ohtani reported to the team’s spring training camp well before Tuesday and is adamant about growing as a dominant starter.
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