The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West title with a 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, but their preparations for the playoffs are marred by injuries within their starting rotation. Despite Walker Buehler’s commendable performance in the win, the team’s options are limited due to several key pitchers being sidelined.
Clayton Kershaw, a veteran ace expected to bolster the rotation, is facing significant setbacks. Manager Dave Roberts announced that Kershaw is not likely to be “viable” for at least a few weeks, raising alarms about his availability for the postseason. The 36-year-old has been dealing with a bone spur in his left toe since August, but it appears he may be grappling with further complications.
Roberts provided insight into Kershaw’s situation, stating, “I think he’s just not going to be viable for a couple of weeks, and then we’ll see what that looks like as far as our playoff push.” This news adds another layer of concern for the Dodgers as they gear up for October.
Kershaw’s performance this season has not met his usual high standards. He has only pitched 30 innings in 2024, with a 4.50 ERA reflecting a notable drop in his effectiveness. In an alarming trend, Kershaw’s fastball velocity fell below 90 mph for the first time in his career, and his strikeout rate dipped significantly to just 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Additionally, his left-on-base rate of 63.3% and a ground ball rate of 38.5% indicate that he is struggling to generate the swings and misses that once defined his game. The once-dominant pitcher is now ranked in the 5th percentile for fastball velocity this season, and hitters have consistently made solid contact against him.
Kershaw’s absence complicates an already fragile starting rotation for the Dodgers. With the team unable to rely on his former self, they must look elsewhere for leadership on the mound as they approach the playoffs.
In Kershaw’s stead, the Dodgers will need to lean heavily on Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Flaherty, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, has been performing admirably, posting a 3.58 ERA over 55.1 innings since joining the team.
Yamamoto, a significant offseason signing, boasts a 2.96 ERA across 85 innings. However, his recent return from injury adds an element of uncertainty to the Dodgers’ plans. With their rotation being tested, the team faces crucial decisions as they prepare for the postseason.
As the Dodgers navigate these challenges, they remain focused on their playoff aspirations, hoping that their remaining pitchers can rise to the occasion in Kershaw’s absence. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining how well the Dodgers can adapt and compete at a high level.