Despite sitting atop the standings, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been navigating the 2025 season without many of their core arms. That could soon change—three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is on track to return to the rotation later this month.
Kershaw, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since August 30, 2024, is currently rehabbing from offseason shoulder and knee surgeries. He’s on the 60-day injured list but is eligible to be activated by May 18, and that date now appears increasingly realistic.
While working his way back with Triple-A Oklahoma City, the veteran left-hander has posted a 3.27 ERA over three rehab starts, striking out 10 and allowing just two walks across 11 innings. He’s surrendered 10 hits over that stretch—an encouraging sign for a 36-year-old returning from multiple procedures.
“From what I hear, he’s throwing the baseball well,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “It’s certainly not major-league competition, but I know Clayton is doing everything he can to, once he gets here, be the best pitcher he can be to help us win baseball games. He’s not just checking boxes, going through the motions.”
While Kershaw’s fastball velocity has dipped below 90 mph during rehab, Roberts dismissed concerns, reinforcing the franchise’s trust in its longtime ace.
“Clayton, for me, he can pitch with whatever velocity,” Roberts added. “As long as he’s healthy, I’ll bet on him.”
Return Comes at Crucial Time for Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been forced to patch together a rotation all season due to injuries to Walker Buehler, Emmet Sheehan, and Tony Gonsolin, among others. Kershaw’s return would bring not just stability but also a veteran presence to a staff in flux.
The 10-time All-Star was limited to just seven starts last season, so the priority now will be ensuring he’s healthy enough to deliver consistent, quality outings—especially as Los Angeles looks toward the postseason.
Kershaw is expected to make one more rehab appearance before the team decides whether he’ll be activated.
In other Dodgers injury news, outfielder Teoscar Hernández was recently placed on the injured list with a groin strain, and Mookie Betts was given a scheduled day off on Tuesday, further emphasizing how vital a healthy Kershaw could be to the team’s balance moving forward.