Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Injury Report: Clayton Kershaw Continues to Improve, Julio Nearing Return, and More

The Dodgers currently have more talent on the injured list than some clubs have on their active roster. Even so, this team has found ways to win games and is in the hunt for yet another division title.

As we near the final stretch of the 2021 season, let’s take a look at how these injured Dodgers are progressing in their return to action.



Mookie Betts

Mookie has been dealing with a bone spur in his hip for the last few weeks and was somehow still producing at an elite level. The pain eventually won out, and he had to shut down all baseball activities while he waited for the swelling to go down and the pain to subside. After some light exercises on Wednesday afternoon, Betts is preparing to go on a rehab assignment before rejoining the active roster, potentially as early as next week.

Clayton Kershaw

The Dodgers have been rather silent in terms of Kershaw’s forearm injury. While it didn’t seem like anything significant early on, it’s turned into a stint on the 60-day IL and a question of whether he’ll be ready before October. Kershaw did play catch for the third day in a row without any issues, so that’s a positive sign that he may be turning a corner in his recovery. Notably, Dave Roberts said on Wednesday that Kershaw’s status is “kind of holding.”

“I know he’s still trying to get out there and stretch it out,” Doc added. “I think we’ll know more when he can get it stretched out longer.”

While he may be nearing an increase in baseball activities soon, the earliest he is eligible to return from the IL would be September 5th.

Julio Urías

Julio was removed from his last start after being hit by a pitch on his left calf. It didn’t seem like anything serious when it happened, but the team took the opportunity to skip a start and save some of those innings for when it matters more. Urías threw a few simulated innings on Wednesday and should be able to make his next scheduled start as originally planned.

Tony Gonsolin

Gonsolin is starting to ramp up his recovery from a right shoulder injury that has kept him out since the end of July. After another throwing session on Wednesday afternoon, Dave Roberts said that the plan is for him to get a few more bullpen sessions in before deciding what comes next in his rehab. His next bullpen session will take place later today where he’s expected to throw only fastballs.

Danny Duffy

The Dodgers have yet to see their other trade acquisition in real game action, but Danny Duffy is getting closer to returning every day. Duffy was already on the IL when the Dodgers acquired him, but they grabbed him with the expectation that he could be a key piece in their bullpen come October. He also played catch on Wednesday afternoon with an eye towards a September debut for his new ball club.

Other Notable Injuries

Victor González, Joe Kelly, and Scott Alexander all remain on the IL as well, but all three players should be back this season. Out of the three, Victor looks to be the closest to making a return from his right knee inflammation. González went on a rehab assignment on Wednesday and should be an option for the Dodgers in the coming days.

Joe Kelly, meanwhile, is still down with an undisclosed injury. There has been no timetable for his return, but the expectation is that he will be back before too long.

That leaves us with Scott Alexander, who was excellent for the Dodgers when healthy. He is currently down with left shoulder inflammation, but there is no fixed timetable for him to return. Alex Vesia has been an outstanding replacement in the meantime, which has helped LA keep pace with the Giants in the NL West.

NEXT: The One Reason Why LA Can’t Trust Kenley Jansen as Closer

Daniel Palma

Daniel is an avid sports fan who loves his hometown teams. If he's not watching baseball, you can find him playing or coaching. No matter what, he'll always root for the Boys in Blue!

One Comment

  1. Victor Gonzales is not on the IL. He pitched last night.

    Our pen is doing a great job for us. If we can just keep Kenley Jansen off the mound we should be fine. IMO

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