Dodgers' Kershaw has shoulder surgery, hopeful about return

[November 04, 2023]  LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw underwent surgery on his left throwing shoulder and said on Friday he hoped to return to the mound next summer. 

Kershaw, 35, said he had the procedure to repair the "gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule" of his troublesome left shoulder.  

Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning for game one of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

"I am hopeful to return to play at some point next summer," the 10-time All-Star and 2020 World Series champion said on Instagram. "Thanks for your prayers!"

Kershaw has struggled with injuries in recent years and after 16 seasons with the Dodgers some media speculated that the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent would retire from Major League Baseball this offseason.

But it appears the three-time Cy Young winner is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet.

In 24 starts this season, Kershaw went 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA but struggled in his only post-season start, giving up six earned runs to the Arizona Diamondbacks and not making it out of the first inning in a series where the Dodgers were swept.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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