When the Los Angeles Dodgers diagnosed Clayton Kershaw with a mild disc herniation it understandably came with plenty of concern. However, some solace was found in the fact that the left-handed ace, while forced to the disabled list, would avoid surgery.
Beyond that, not much has publicly been revealed about Kershaw’s injury. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has remained steadfast in his refusal to place any sort of timeline on a return, and so too has Kershaw.
When speaking with reporters on July 2, one day after being placed on the disabled list, Kershaw said he had a timetable in mind but declined to share it.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed the three-time Cy Young Award winner began a five-step rehabilitation process shortly after receiving the epidural injection. Kershaw more recently threw a bullpen session and continued with his rehab work between All-Star Game festivities in San Diego.
When again pressed on the topic of a timetable for his return, Kershaw provided an explanation as to why he’s keeping the information private, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
“I do,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense to share it. If I beat it, ‘Oh, you’re rushing back.’ And if I don’t, then it’s ‘Why not?’”
He did go on to restate the disc herniation would not require surgery moving forward:
Kershaw said he received “positive” answers from Dr. Robert Watkins regarding the likelihood of the back problem becoming chronic.
“If something happens you’re always going to have to have some maintenance on it, to be sure,” he said. “But it’s a non-surgical injury.”
Kershaw wasn’t included in the Dodgers’ post-All-Star break rotation the first time through. Los Angeles begins a nine-game road trip on Friday, and have an off-day on Monday, July 25, before a quick five-game homestand.
When he manages to return is dependent on continued progress that builds toward facing live hitters. Roberts indicated over the weekend he did not believe Kershaw would miss a period of time that would require him to throw a rehab assignment prior to being reinstated from the disabled list.
