The Los Angeles Dodgers face a major challenge as star pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 MLB season.

Kershaw, 36, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has battled injuries throughout the year.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Kershaw’s bone spur in his left big toe worsened, preventing him from continuing.

Kershaw returned to the mound in July after recovering from shoulder surgery but has been out since August 31 due to the injury.

Despite his best efforts to push through for the postseason, the worsening condition of his toe forced the Dodgers to make the tough decision.

“We’re closing the door,” Roberts stated. “Clayton has done everything he could to give himself a shot, but the foot is just not cooperating. It’s actually getting worse.”

Joe Kelly Also Ruled Out for NLDS

Alongside Kershaw, the Dodgers’ bullpen will also miss right-hander Joe Kelly. The 36-year-old reliever, who dealt with right shoulder inflammation between August 30 and September 18, made a return late in the regular season.

However, in his last simulated game appearance, he felt discomfort in his shoulder after throwing a change-up. As a result, Kelly won’t be on the roster until possibly the World Series, should the Dodgers advance that far.

“Joe felt something in his shoulder, and that kind of put him out of the conversation,” Roberts explained.

The absence of Kershaw and Kelly creates significant gaps in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation as they head into their National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Diego Padres.

New Additions and Changes to the Roster

In a season of ups and downs, the Dodgers have called up fresh talent to the NLDS roster.

Edgardo Henriquez, a 22-year-old right-hander, whose fastball has averaged 98.7 mph, joins the team after pitching three games in his debut week during the last stretch of the regular season. His raw talent will add some speed to the Dodgers’ bullpen.

However, some notable names are missing. Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was omitted from the NLDS roster, while right-hander Michael Grove made the cut.

Meanwhile, reliever Brent Honeywell won’t be available until Game 5 if the series extends that far. The Dodgers are undoubtedly going to have to strategize without some of their seasoned players.

Padres Also Face Challenges Without Musgrove

The Dodgers aren’t the only team dealing with roster adjustments. The San Diego Padres are without their ace, Joe Musgrove, who requires Tommy John surgery, ruling him out of the playoffs entirely.

The Padres made roster changes for the NLDS, adding right-handers Martín Pérez and Alek Jacob, while dropping infielder Nick Ahmed alongside Musgrove.

The stage is set for a tough battle as both teams deal with injuries and reshuffled rosters. The Dodgers, still loaded with talent, hope to overcome these challenges and push forward in the playoffs.

Future Uncertain for Kershaw

As the Dodgers focus on their playoff run, questions linger about Kershaw’s future with the team.

At 36, with a storied career including 10 All-Star selections, Kershaw’s health has been a concern.

His latest injury could impact his future decisions regarding returning for another season or stepping away from the game.

For now, the Dodgers have no choice but to move forward without their iconic pitcher as they face the Padres in what promises to be a thrilling series.

Clayton Kershaw ruled out for rest of season, but the Dodgers remain hopeful as they push for World Series glory. The team is looking to lean on both veterans and emerging talents to keep their championship hopes alive.