An already-depleted Dodgers rotation just got hit with another blow ahead of the start of their October run.
Long-time Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw has been ruled out for the remainder of the post-season with a toe injury, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Saturday ahead of Game 1 against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS.
“Clayton has done everything he can to keep this thing moving forward and giving himself a chance to participate in the postseason,” Roberts said. “But where he’s at right now, physically, the foot, the toe just is not cooperating. It’s actually getting worse.”
Kershaw had been left off the Dodgers’ NLDS roster earlier Saturday before Roberts confirmed that his season was over.
“It stinks he’s not going to be able to pitch for us,” catcher Will Smith said. “He’ll be here every day, I know, cheering us on, being in the clubhouse, helping us out whatever way he can.”
There’s also concern about first baseman Freddie Freeman’s availability heading into Game 1. The former MVP has been dealing with a sprained ankle since late September but was optimistic about being able to return to the line-up in time for the series opener.
Roberts told reporters he’s “hopeful but not as hopeful as I was yesterday,” about Freeman’s availability, according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae.
Kershaw, 36, was left off the team’s 26-man roster for the NLDS with a bone spur in his big toe but had been hoping to return to the team should they advance further in the post-season.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner struggled with injuries and consistency this season, pitching to a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA in only seven starts, the lowest of his 17-year career.
He said he’s been assured by doctors that he doesn’t need surgery.
“It’s something that takes time I guess, which is the worst thing because I’m not good at that,” Kershaw said last week. “My arm, I’m keeping it going the best I can. I really think when my toe is better, I will be ready to pitch. I need to get close to 100 per cent so I can throw.”
He had been eager to redeem himself after last year’s stunning post-season debacle. Kershaw got hammered by Arizona in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, giving up six hits and six runs in the first inning.
His post-season ERA is 4.22 over 194 innings pitched. His regular-season ERA of 2.48 is the best of any MLB pitcher with at least 1,500 innings pitched since 1920.
Kershaw signed a one-year contract in February, plus a 2025 player option worth $5 million.
Freeman, 35, was named an All-Star for the eighth time in his 15-year career this season. He put up .282/.378/.476 batting splits with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Los Angeles is already without ace Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and RHP Gavin Stone (shoulder).
You can catch Game 1 of the NLDS between the Dodgers and Padres at 8:38 p.m. ET / 5:38 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE or stream on Sportsnet+.
— With files from The Associated Press
