Dodgers acknowledge Clayton Kershaw's season could be over

Clayton Kershaw may have thrown his last pitch during the 2016 season. (AP)

 

Clayton Kershaw’s recovery from a herniated disc in his back is becoming more complicated and concerning with each passing day.

On Tuesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Kershaw’s timetable for a return was now “uncertain” after he reportedly felt discomfort following a simulated game this weekend. On Wednesday, things got a little more ominous with Roberts admitting that season-ending surgery is now more likely based on how Kershaw’s back is reacting.

	Alex Putterman @AlexPutterman
Dave Roberts does not sound optimistic about Kershaw's recovery. Says surgery is a real possibility, and no guarantee he returns this year. 2:22 PM - 20 Jul 2016

“With the way it flared up, it’s more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility,” were Roberts’ exact words before the Dodgers took on the Nationals Wednesday night.

Before we overreact too much, though, there’s no indication surgery is imminent or the only hope for a complete recovery. Roberts is basing his opinion and his concern on his own back issues, which did ultimately require surgery. In fact, there’s been some reassurance that surgery wouldn’t be a recommendation based on Kershaw’s condition.

	Andy McCullough @McCulloughTimes
Dodgers say Kershaw's issue is limited to his back. Surgery is usually necessary when compressed nerves cause pain in buttocks and legs. 3:35 PM - 20 Jul 2016   Andy McCullough @McCulloughTimes Doc on Kershaw: "In the absence of having a lot of buttock pain or leg pain, we typically counsel athletes not to have surgery for problem." 4:44 PM - 20 Jul 2016

With that in mind, the Dodgers are remaining optimistic Kershaw will return this season. That window could start to close quickly, though, now that he’s shut down from all baseball activities until his back has calmed down. Given the unpredictable nature of back injuries and the different ways different bodies recover, this could be a day-to-day or even a week-to-week situation before doctors can make their next assessment.

Every one of those days will likely prove precious to the Dodgers. The loss of Kershaw is crippling enough, especially considering he was in top form this season, posting a major- league leading 1.79 ERA to go along with dominant numbers across the board. They also learned Wednesday that left-hander Alex Wood will require surgery on his ailing left elbow that will cost him two months.

In the 24 hours before that, left-handed starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, and relievers Chris Hatcher and Casey Fien were also placed on the disabled list. Their depth is being severely tested, which could force their hand on a potential trade for pitching, especially in the rotation.

In the meantime, they will roll with five question marks in Kenta Maeda, who’s in his first MLB season, rookie Julio Urias, hit-or-miss veterans Scott Kazmir and Bud Norris, and Brandon McCarthy, who’s coming off Tommy John surgery. For the short-term, that rotation should suffice. If longer-term issues force the Dodgers to rely on them entirely, they will likely struggle to reach the postseason.