Clayton Kershaw injury update: Dodgers star's availability for MLB playoff clarified by manager Dave Roberts

With 2,869 career strikeouts for the Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw has whiffed more batters than any other player in franchise history. However, the southpaw is not the pitcher he once was, and with the postseason approaching, many are wondering if the former MVP will need to take a backseat for his fourth straight October.

On Aug. 31, Kershaw was placed on the 15-day IL due to a bone spur in his toe. Injuries have limited the 36-year-old to just seven starts this season. Now, many are concerned that the veteran ace will need to sit the playoffs out altogether.

In a recent comment to FOX, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Clayton Kershaw's return:

"I don't think there's been improvement, him not facing hitters this week is pretty telling in itself. There's something that's holding him up from progressing to face hitters, hopefully in the next few days we'll get a little more clarity on how he's feeling."

Clayton Kershaw's last start came against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 30. However, Kershaw only lasted a single inning before being removed. Offseason shoulder surgery delayed Kershaw's 2024 season debut until July 25.

A member of the Los Angeles Dodgers since his MLB debut in 2008, Kershaw's tenure on the team has been nothing short of legendary. In addition to winning an MVP Award, a World Series and three Cy Young Awards, Kershaw is the franchise leader in strikeouts and WAR, and is 21 wins shy of tying Don Sutton's franchise-record 233 victories.

"Clayton Kershaw, Cooperstown Curveball." - Pitching Ninja

Currently under a one-year, $5 million contract, Kershaw's terms with the Dodgers include a player option for 2025. Should the esteemed arm return to healthy status, it is likely he will remain with the team, at least until the end of next season.

Clayton Kershaw ambiguity comes amid LA postseason pitching questions

The fact that Kershaw looks unlikely to return for the playoffs throws further speculation on the question regarding Shohei Ohtani's postseason pitching availability. As Dave Roberts told Xirius XM MLB Network Radio earlier this month:

“I think that you should always leave some margin, a crack in the door for any possibility, if things line up and there’s a need, and the game, [Ohtani’s] body, everything is telling us that it makes sense in that situation, great. It would be storybook.”

After an offseason surgery of his own, Ohtani's status is also precarious. However, with both Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw looking unlikely for October, perhaps the circumstances could push Ohtani onto the rubber.