The return of legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is drawing nearer. The 37-year-old southpaw has yet to take the mound in the 2025 season as he recovers from offseason surgeries on his knee and toe. Prior to committing to another year with the Dodgers on a one-year deal, Kershaw had contemplated retirement. His 2024 season was also hampered by injury, requiring shoulder surgery.
However, the anticipation is building as Kershaw’s recovery progresses. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed reporters on Friday that the future Hall of Famer is on the verge of beginning a rehab assignment. According to Roberts, Kershaw’s first rehab start is scheduled for Wednesday with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Clayton Kershaw Takes Big Step Toward Returning To Los Angeles Dodgers Pullpen
Kershaw had thrown a bullpen session at Nationals Park on Monday, and speaking to reporters that day, he identified the toe injury as the primary obstacle hindering his return to full competition. Given that he hasn’t pitched a full workload since the middle of last season, Kershaw will likely require a significant amount of time on his rehab assignment, essentially a condensed version of spring training, to build up his arm strength and stamina.
Adding to the intrigue of his eventual return is Kershaw’s proximity to a major career milestone. The superstar left-hander is just 32 strikeouts shy of reaching the coveted 3,000 mark for his career, a plateau reached by only a select few pitchers in baseball history. The Dodgers also have another pitcher, Tony Gonsolin, currently rehabbing with Oklahoma City. Gonsolin has made two starts as he works his way back from his own injury, providing another layer to the team’s pitching recovery storylines.