The Arizona Diamondbacks are still riding high from their 2023 National League pennant run, which included an NL Division Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are celebrating with a new item for sale in their team store.
In a social media post, it was highlighted that the D-backs are selling photos of Clayton Kershaw from the NLDS. The moment that was captured? The last time Dodgers fans saw Kershaw pitch, a scene from the first inning of Game 1 when the future Hall of Famer was shelled by the D-backs for six runs.
Kershaw returned to the Dodgers after signing a one-year contract with an option for 2025. He had offseason surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder. His best-case scenario is a return to the mound in July.
Kershaw recently spoke with media members and said he has been ramping up the intensity in his throwing program, hoping to be throwing off a mound at “some point in May.”
Jack Harris of the Los Angeles wrote on Twitter/X that Kershaw said he’s feeling good about his recovery so far. The left-hander is throwing from up to 120 feet in long toss. Manager Dave Roberts also believes Kershaw is “ahead of things” timetable-wise. The next step for him will be throwing bullpens.
Kershaw has spent his entire professional career with the Dodgers and is looking ahead to the next milestone in his career: joining the 3,000-strikeout club. He is currently sitting at 2,944 and should be able to reach his goal this year if all goes according to plan.
If Kershaw comes back in July, he might have a chance to pitch during the Dodgers’ three-game road series in Phoenix starting Aug. 30. That is the last series for the two teams during the regular season.
Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY Network
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