Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Return Timeline Officially Revealed

With many questions surrounding the Dodgers' current rotation, one arm may soon be back in the fold.

After another successful step in his rehab process, manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism for Clayton Kershaw's imminent return to the mound.

"I think we’re at the stage where we feel he can pitch in a major league game," Roberts said. "There has to be some build-up. He’s going to find a way. I understand he doesn’t have pain, which is important. He’s not perfect, but he’s still Clayton and he still wants to help his team win baseball games."

Clayton Kershaw threw a 4-inning sim game for the Dodgers today. Dave Roberts said there will be another bullpen, but offered: “At some point next week I see him pitching for the Dodgers.”
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) August 4, 2023

Even with the starting rotation getting back on track after their most recent series against Oakland to close out their homestand, getting Kershaw back on the hill is a huge boost to the Dodgers' postseason chances.

Before suffering his shoulder injury, Kershaw was in the middle of another All-Star season pitching to a 2.55 ERA over 16 starts with 91 strikeouts and a 3.1 WAR.

A lack of moves to acquire more starting pitching other than Lance Lynn from Andrew Friedman and company must mean that they believe in the health of the rotation returning to form in this last stretch of games.

Lynn was fantastic in his first start in Dodger blue — much to the approval of the front office's trust in his work — and adding Kershaw back in the mix will only help Los Angeles down the line.

If Kershaw's timeline is true to form, it's unlikely he goes against the Padres in a much anticipated series for NL West position, but he could return against another divisional foe in the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Among other smaller deadline moves, Amed Rosario alongside old friends Kike Hernandez and Joe Kelly have all been great investments as buy low candidates upon their first looks in Dodger blue, much to the liking of slugger Freddie Freeman.

The Boys in Blue needed a get right series in the worst way and got just what the doctor ordered after sweeping the worst team in the league this week.

Their future Hall of Famer will hope to add to the good vibes in his much anticipated return to the team.