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Clayton Kershaw threw a 37-pitch bullpen session using his entire pitch selection. He reported no pain. If he continues to progress, he is on schedule for his August return.

Kershaw felt something in his valuable left shoulder during his June 27th start against the Colorado Rockies. After his six brilliant innings at Coors Field, he took himself out. Immediately, he received a cortisone shot.

Manager Dave Roberts and Kershaw expected him to be back after the All-Star break when Kershaw and his family went to Seattle to enjoy the festivities. Before the break, an MRI was taken.

While Kershaw felt no pain, Dr. Neal ElAttrache told Kershaw to rest the troublesome shoulder. While Kershaw was baffled since his shoulder didn’t hurt, he obeyed Dr. ElAttrache’s orders. He even said it would take many months to decide whether he will return for the 2024 season.

While Kershaw is 35, he was amidst a Cy Young Award-caliber season, and the injury and time on the IL has likely derailed him from winning his fourth Cy Young Award. He has 10 wins and 4 losses with a 2.55 ERA.

Since the Dodger starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, they need Kershaw to return as soon as possible to have a good chance of winning the National League West. Nevertheless, he must be healthy and stay healthy for the remainder of the season and the postseason. This unexpected break for Kershaw is a blessing in disguise since he hasn’t pitched this much since 2017.