The postseason is finally here, but the Dodgers will likely lack their three-time Cy Young starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw. A bone spur in his left big toe is expected to keep Kershaw off the mound for the remainder of the season.
Although Kershaw has not faced any batters, he has remained active by playing catch. He has also thrown in flat-ground sessions while wearing tennis shoes or a walking boot to protect his left foot. Additionally, Kershaw pitched off a makeshift mound with only a sock covering his foot at the beginning of September. But, ultimately, he has not made enough progress to be prepared for postseason play.
The former Dodgers ace was sidelined for most of this season before returning to the mound at the end of July. Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Kershaw’s performance since returning has not matched his past abilities.
Across seven starts this season, Kershaw logged a career-worst 4.50 ERA. He threw 24 strikeouts and had nine walks while allowing 36 hits, 19 runs, and two home runs. Kershaw has not accrued a season ERA higher than 3.55 since his rookie season in 2008.
The 10-time National League All-Star is far from the only Dodgers starting pitcher on the injured list. Gavin Stone, Tyler Glasnow, River Ryan, and Tony Gonsolin are all on the 60-day IL. With the injury to Stone, the Dodgers had no starters who did not missed starts due to injury this season.
