When is Clayton Kershaw Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Clayton Kershaw has spent the better part of the last two decades dominating Major League Baseball. Over the last 16 years, he finished with an ERA under 3.00 in all but three seasons, amassed 2,944 strikeouts, and won three Cy Young Awards.

In his peak years from 2011 to 2014, he led the majors in ERA in each season, averaged 237 strikeouts, and compiled 72 wins. His 2014 season was so great that, in addition to winning his third Cy Young in four years, he was named the National League Most Valuable Player.

Kershaw continued crushing opposing batters for the next several years, though the wear and tear on his body resulted in annual trips to the injured list. The last three years have been especially unkind to Kershaw. The one-time workhorse has averaged just 127 IP per season since 2021. He started this season on the 60-day IL after undergoing surgery on his throwing shoulder last November.

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Clayton Kershaw Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

After several seasons of pitching around and through injuries, there was speculation that 2023 might be Kershaw’s final season. In November, he underwent surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. Rather than retire, Kershaw was getting prepared for one last go as a major league pitcher.

The Dodgers waited until February to re-sign their future Hall of Famer to a one-year deal with a player option for 2025. Kershaw reported to spring training for his physical upon signing but was then allowed to return home to continue his rehabilitation program. He has reportedly been throwing from 120 feet and should make his first throws from a mound in May.

Clayton Kershaw said he has been ramping up the intensity in his throwing program, and is hoping to be throwing off a mound at “some point in May”

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 30, 2024

There is still no concrete timeline for Kershaw’s recovery. The best-case scenario is that Kershaw would return at some point in July, with August being a more likely outcome. While the Dodgers would certainly benefit from adding his arm back to the rotation for their stretch run, they are not putting any pressure on their former ace to rush back into action.

Clayton Kershaw Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Even though the last three seasons have been plagued with injury, Kershaw remained a valuable fantasy asset. He reached double-digit wins and averaged a 22.2 K-BB% in each of those years. His return date is unknown at this point, but once he is back on the mound, he will still be a solid source for strikeouts and low ratios.

The first Dodger player working out at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day? Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, of course pic.twitter.com/TB5DaAjq95

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 28, 2024

Given the vague timetable for recovery, Kershaw can be left on the waiver wire for the time being. He can be stashed in leagues with IL slots, but considering how much time he is expected to miss, he can be dropped to make space for players expected to recover sooner.

Keep an eye out for further developments about Kershaw’s rehabilitation. Even if he only makes a handful of starts in August and September, it is a good opportunity to tack on some extra wins and strikeouts at the end of the fantasy season.

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