The Los Angeles Dodgers had five players named to the National League team for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, but will only have four available to play in the event at T-Mobile Park due to Clayton Kershaw withdrawing because of left shoulder soreness.
Kershaw sustained the injury during his June 27 start against the Colorado Rockies, and initially held hope a cortisone injection would take effect and leave him available to pitch in the final week leading up to the All-Star break.
However, the Dodgers ultimately placed Kershaw on the 15-day IL. The injury left Kershaw feeling frustrated as it represented another year of not being fully healthy.
“You sign up to pitch a full season,” Kershaw said. “There’s no reason to take a break just to take a break. I don’t think that does anything. So for me, it’s disappointing.”
All-Star energy. pic.twitter.com/pa1wibGYdY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 9, 2023
That Kershaw’s left shoulder injury also ruled him out from participating in the 93rd Midsummer Classic also caused some heartache due to his son having interest, but the family still traveled to Seattle for the experience.
“The other part that’s disappointing is making the All-Star team. I know Charley really wanted to see me pitch, and I wanted to pitch in that,” Kershaw said. “So that’s disappointing too. We’re still going to go and have a good time and everything. He’s getting into it now, so I would’ve liked for him to get to see that. That would’ve been cool.”
Kershaw tied a Dodgers franchise record with his 10th career All-Star Game selection, which he shares with Pee Wee Reese. Nevertheless, Kershaw’s first All-Star start didn’t occur until last year’s event at Dodger Stadium.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar was named to the NL roster as an injury replacement.
Clayton Kershaw shoulder injury history
Kershaw has dealt with shoulder trouble on several occasions throughout his career, including in 2014, when he landed on the IL because of a left shoulder strain. However, that was more an injury of the teres major muscle that is located in the upper back area.
Kershaw additionally missed his scheduled Opening Day start in 2019 due to left shoulder inflammation. His stint on the IL was brief as the Dodgers activated him just over two weeks later.
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