Kershaw's Season Ended by Toe Injury

Clayton Kershaw has been ruled out for the rest of the 2022 season due to a persistent toe injury. The Dodgers' ace has been battling the issue since late August.

Clayton Kershaw's bid for a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been cut short by a lingering toe injury. Manager Dave Roberts announced on Saturday that Kershaw will not pitch again this season, marking a disappointing end to a year marred by injury.

"This is it for Clayton for 2024," Roberts said before Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.

Kershaw's Season Ended by Toe Injury

Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and 10-time All-Star, has been sidelined since late August with a bone spur in his left big toe. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, the injury has continued to hinder the 36-year-old left-hander.

"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's absence is a significant blow to the Dodgers' hopes of winning their second World Series in three years. He made just seven starts in the regular season, posting a 2-2 record with a 4.50 ERA.

His toe injury severely limited Kershaw's effectiveness on the mound. Overcoming the discomfort, he often had to rely on his veteran experience and pinpoint control to navigate batters. However, the injury took its toll, and other areas of his body began to compensate, leading to a decline in his performance.

"Because of his toe, Kershaw couldn't pitch the way he wanted to and other areas of his body were overcompensating for it," Roberts explained.

Kershaw's latest setback is particularly disappointing after last year's disastrous postseason performance. In Game 1 of the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was roughed up for six hits and six runs in the first inning. His playoff struggles have been well-documented, with a career ERA of 4.22 in 194 innings pitched.

Despite his recent struggles, Kershaw remains one of the most respected and accomplished pitchers in baseball. His regular-season ERA of 2.48 is the best of any MLB pitcher with at least 1,500 innings pitched since 1920.

Kershaw is under contract with the Dodgers for one more year, with a player option for 2025. His future with the team remains uncertain, but he has expressed his desire to continue pitching.

"My arm, I'm keeping it going the best I can," Kershaw said last week. "I really think when my toe is better, I will be ready to pitch. I need to get close to 100% so I can throw."

The Dodgers will now have to rely on other starters to fill the void left by Kershaw's absence. Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May are expected to shoulder a heavier workload in the playoffs.

Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain confident in their chances of winning the World Series. They have a deep and talented roster, and they will look to their other starters and bullpen to step up in Kershaw's absence.