Clayton Kershaw Injury Update: Latest health status and expected recovery period for LA Dodgers star

On July 2, fans got word that Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers would be returning to the All-Star Game. His 10th team, the high-profile lefty is now second among all active players when it comes to All-Star distinctions.

Although fans were hoping to see the 35-year-old take the bump for the National League for the second straight season, an injury kept the vet out of the action. Now, fans are wondering when they can expect to see him back.

Fans had only just received word of Kershaw's All-Star selection on July 2, when the Dodgers backdated his IL assignment to June 30. According to team physicians, Clayton Kershaw was experiencing shoulder tightness.

"Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen re-uniting at the All-Star Game" - sky

Although the length of the stint would have activated Clayton Kershaw in time to face off against the New York Mets on July 15, issues remain. According to MLB.com, team Doctor Neal El Attrache said that the leftie needs to be patient, which according to the same source, means that Kershaw will be shelved for another two weeks.

"The Dodgers will be without Clayton Kershaw for a little while longer." - The Score

Following his June 27 start against the Colorado Rockies, an MRI revealed some inflammation in his arm. After a cortisone shot, Kershaw was adamant that he could make another start before the All-Star break. Team doctors, however, were quick to put a stop to any such aspirations.

Last season, Kershaw surpassed Don Sutton as the Los Angeles Dodgers' all-time strikeout leader. Moreover, his 2.48 ERA represents the lowest number in modern MLB history for any pitcher with more than 1,000 innings on the mound.

Lingering injuries make Clayton Kershaw's retirement a possibility

Injured, 35 years old and on a one-year contract. These all sound like a recipe for retirement. While Kershaw has treated fans to some of the most wondrous pitching of modern baseball, time comes for all pitchers, and for Kershaw, that could be sooner rather than later.

With the Dodgers reputed to be big offseason contenders for Shohei Ohtani, the 2024 offseason might feature a passing of the torch between Kershaw and Ohtani. After having represented the Dodgers brand tirelessly since joining the team as a fresh-faced 20-year-old in 2005.

Some things change, but we can confidently say that Kershaw will always be remembered as one of the best ever.