The Dodgers general manager gives a vital injury update on their star pitcher.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its perennial success and championship aspirations, have once again found themselves navigating the delicate balance of maintaining an elite roster while contending with the ever-present threat of injuries. Injuries in professional sports are inevitable, and the Dodgers, with their high-powered roster, are no exception. One of the most significant concerns for the team in recent years has been the health of their star pitchers, particularly Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer who has been the backbone of the Dodgers’ rotation for over a decade.

Kershaw, who has been the face of the franchise since he debuted in 2008, has experienced his fair share of injuries in recent seasons. As he enters the later stages of his career, the question surrounding Kershaw’s health and durability has become more pressing. His ability to stay healthy for a full season—and to remain effective in the postseason—will be critical to the Dodgers’ chances of competing for another World Series title. With Kershaw being one of the most respected and accomplished pitchers in MLB history, the Dodgers’ general manager (GM), Andrew Friedman, recently addressed the media regarding Kershaw’s health status and provided an important injury update that has fans and analysts alike eager to hear what comes next for the ace.

The Importance of Clayton Kershaw to the Dodgers

Before diving into the injury update itself, it’s important to understand just how crucial Clayton Kershaw is to the Dodgers’ success. Kershaw is not only one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, but also one of the best to ever play the game. Over the course of his illustrious career, Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards, been selected to nine All-Star teams, and is a key figure in the Dodgers’ long-running dominance in the National League.

Kershaw’s presence in the rotation brings a level of stability and leadership that has been pivotal for the team’s success. Even as he enters the later stages of his career, Kershaw remains a critical component of the Dodgers’ starting rotation. His ability to perform in high-leverage moments, especially in the postseason, is invaluable. However, as Kershaw ages, injuries have become a more frequent part of the conversation. The veteran left-hander has had to manage back issues, shoulder concerns, and other physical ailments in recent years. These injuries, though not catastrophic, have led to periodic absences from the mound, which has raised legitimate concerns about his ability to remain healthy over the course of a full season.

The Dodgers have built their pitching staff with a mix of veterans, emerging stars, and reliable depth. While they’ve had other capable arms such as Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, and Walker Buehler (who is recovering from Tommy John surgery), Kershaw’s leadership and experience make him an irreplaceable piece of the puzzle. This is why his injury status is something that fans, media, and team executives closely monitor.

Kershaw’s Injury History: What We Know So Far

Before we delve into the latest update from Andrew Friedman, let’s take a brief look at Kershaw’s injury history in recent years. It’s no secret that Kershaw has had to manage some physical setbacks over the past several seasons. While none of these injuries have been career-threatening, they have impacted his availability at times.

• Back Issues: Kershaw has had a history of back problems, which have caused him to miss time in multiple seasons. Back issues are especially concerning for a pitcher because they can directly affect the mechanics and delivery, potentially leading to a prolonged absence if not properly managed.
• Shoulder Issues: Another concern for Kershaw has been shoulder discomfort. Shoulder injuries can be particularly troubling for pitchers, as they can impact the velocity and movement of a pitcher’s pitches. Kershaw has experienced flare-ups in this area in the past, but he has generally been able to work through them.
• Shortened Seasons: Kershaw’s injuries in recent years have led to some shortened seasons. In 2021, for example, he made only 22 starts due to a forearm issue and a back injury. In 2022, Kershaw was limited to 22 starts again, mostly due to back problems. Despite these setbacks, he has still managed to maintain a high level of performance when on the mound.
• Postseason Performance: Even with injuries, Kershaw has remained one of the most dominant pitchers in the postseason, which is what makes his health so important. However, his injury concerns have sometimes prevented him from pitching as much in the postseason as the Dodgers would have liked. His ability to perform at the highest level in October is a major factor in the team’s championship aspirations.

Given these previous injury issues, Kershaw’s durability has become a focal point for the Dodgers’ front office, as they attempt to manage his workload in such a way that maximizes his effectiveness while minimizing the risk of further injury.

Andrew Friedman’s Latest Injury Update on Kershaw

In a recent press conference, Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman provided an update on Clayton Kershaw’s current health status. The GM acknowledged that the team has been closely monitoring Kershaw’s condition, especially in the lead-up to the 2025 season. Fans were eager to hear whether Kershaw would be ready to start the season without any major concerns.

Friedman’s update was a mix of optimism and caution. He began by acknowledging Kershaw’s importance to the team and reiterated the Dodgers’ desire to keep him healthy throughout the season. “Clayton has been an integral part of this organization for over a decade,” Friedman said. “We’ve seen what he’s capable of when he’s at full strength, and we want to make sure we manage him in a way that maximizes his impact on the team.”

Regarding Kershaw’s current health, Friedman indicated that the left-hander had been progressing well after undergoing a planned offseason rest period. He noted that Kershaw had participated in all necessary physical examinations and that his back and shoulder—two areas of concern in previous seasons—were both showing improvement. “We’ve been very encouraged by his progress,” Friedman said. “He’s been able to work out and throw without experiencing any major issues in those areas.”

However, Friedman also emphasized the importance of caution. “We know that with a player of Clayton’s age and experience, we need to be smart about his workload,” Friedman explained. “The goal is to make sure he’s fresh for the postseason, and we’ll continue to monitor his throwing sessions closely as we head into the season. We’re not going to push him too hard too quickly.”

Friedman acknowledged that Kershaw would likely be on a controlled pitch count early in the season, and that the Dodgers would closely track his innings to avoid overuse. He explained that the Dodgers have developed a plan to manage Kershaw’s appearances in the first few months of the season, making sure he’s ready for the intense grind of the second half.

What Does This Update Mean for the Dodgers?

The update from Friedman is a positive sign for the Dodgers, but it also underscores the importance of managing Kershaw’s health. As much as the Dodgers need him in their starting rotation, they are well aware that Kershaw’s age and injury history make him a delicate asset to manage. His ability to stay healthy will likely be a key storyline throughout the 2025 season.

The news that Kershaw is currently feeling good and that his back and shoulder issues have not flared up is certainly encouraging. However, it is also clear that the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach, one that could involve limiting Kershaw’s regular-season workload to ensure that he is at his best when the postseason rolls around. In the long term, the health of Kershaw will be critical to the Dodgers’ chances of making a deep playoff run, as they will need him to be effective in high-leverage games in October.

How the Dodgers Are Preparing for the 2025 Season

With the update on Kershaw’s health, the Dodgers now have a clearer understanding of where they stand heading into the season. The team has bolstered its pitching staff with depth in recent years, adding reliable arms like Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, and Bobby Miller. This depth will be crucial as the team works to keep Kershaw’s workload manageable.

Additionally, the Dodgers have the flexibility to adjust their rotation throughout the season based on Kershaw’s health. If necessary, they can adjust his start dates, skip a few starts, or limit his innings to ensure that he stays fresh. The team’s overall pitching depth gives them the ability to weather any potential setbacks while still remaining competitive.

The Road Ahead for Kershaw and the Dodgers

As Kershaw heads into the 2025 season, the Dodgers’ approach to his health will be one of the most closely watched storylines. The team will continue to monitor his progress closely, balancing the need for him to be effective with the desire to keep him healthy for the postseason. Given Kershaw’s importance to the team, any extended injury absence would be a major blow, but the Dodgers appear committed to doing everything in their power to ensure that their ace remains ready to lead them in their quest for another World Series title.

In the coming months, Kershaw’s health status will continue to be a key factor in the Dodgers’ success. For now, the team and its fans can be cautiously optimistic, knowing that their ace is progressing well but understanding that health remains the most critical factor in the story of his season.

With Kershaw’s injury update out in the open, the Dodgers are now focused on managing his workload, preparing for a deep playoff run, and, hopefully, seeing the ace return to form when the games matter most. As always, the future of the Dodgers rests on the health and performance of Kershaw, and it is clear that the team will do everything in its power to ensure his success in 2025.