Injury woes have cast a dark shadow over many teams this season, and the Dodgers, despite leading the NL West, are no exception. Setbacks have riddled their pitching staff, dangerously depleting the roster. Among the biggest concerns is the return of a once-dominant ace, who arrived with high hopes but now seems to have lost the fire that made him a legend. The whispers of retirement are growing louder, and yes, we’re talking about none other than three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.
When Kershaw returned to the mound after undergoing surgeries on his knee and toe, hopes soared as he bolstered the team’s pitching lineup. Since his debut this season, against the Angels on May 18th, he had only started three games. The second was against the Mets on the 24th, and the third was on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. But with only three games down, calls for his retirement are already growing among Dodgers analysts.
While talking to Rob Bradford on Baseball Isn’t Boring, CBS National baseball reporter Julian McWilliams shed light on the reality: “Kershaw, just even Kershaw, just like giving them a four and a third in a regular season. Like you, you can tell he’s cooked. He doesn’t have anything. He’s cooked.” Judging by the veteran’s performance, that sentiment might be closer to the harsh truth than anyone wants to admit.
McWilliam’s take is not without basis. When he returned, it marked the beginning of his 18th season at Dodger Stadium for the 37-year-old veteran. Starting pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell were already on the injured list, so Kershaw was supposed to step up to fill the gap. But in those initial two games themselves, it was evident that his once fiery spark was unmistakably absent. In the first game against the Angels, Kershaw allowed three runs and threw 38 pitches just in the opening inning. He finished the game having given up five runs on five hits with two strikeouts over four innings. The Angels ultimately won the game 11-9.
Rain cut Kershaw’s start against the Mets short. In the two innings he pitched, he allowed no runs and struck out one player. That was clearly not the best from the former MVP. This is not the first time Kershaw has been pulled into retirement speculations. He was very clear about his mission this season and didn’t shy away from reality. While addressing the retirement rumors, he remained hopeful and determined to deliver for the team.
And he seems like he is not yet ready to surrender. He started the game against Cleveland and pitched five innings, striking out three players. That performance was a genuine spark of hope, and could turn the tide in his favor. For a veteran like him, it is not a big deal. If he pulls that off, he will provide a great boost to the team. After all, he is meant to energize the clubhouse, especially as the Dodgers struggle to maintain a strong starting rotation. And now, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s hip concerns, the Dodgers could be facing an even dimmer outlook for their starting rotation.
Dodgers face new worry as star pitcher Yamamoto battles hip concern
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has easily been the most dominant and consistent member of the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season. It was not long ago that Dave Roberts confidently said that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is an upcoming MVP star, and he is speculated to run for the Cy Young award this season, too. But in his game against the Guardians on Monday, he seemed to be struggling.
The star finished six innings, but something felt off. Dave Roberts’ words almost felt like a jinx, and now, it appears to be a hip issue. After the game, which they ended up winning 7-2, the skipper opened up to the media, “I do not know if that kind of got into the mechanics in the fifth and sixth innings. It just did not seem as fine.” ConsideringYamamoto pitched 110 pitches in his last outing, not pushing him was the best idea Roberts could take, and the player is now preparing for his next start against the Yankees.
Even after being on the field for six innings on Monday, he didn’t show any clear physical signs of limitation. He pitched it with just two runs allowed. His stellar season this time got him the NL Pitcher of the Month honors for March/April. And if he ends up winning the Cy Young, too, he would become the first Japanese pitcher to do so. And he could prove to be one of the greatest assets as the team aims to defend its championship this season.
Let’s just hope this hip concern doesn’t blow out of proportion; the Dodgers’ roster can’t afford another major setback in this already injury-plagued season.
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