MLB Injury Update: Dodgers Set for Major Boost as Two Aces Return, but Uncertainty Remains
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to receive a significant boost to their rotation this week with the highly anticipated return of two of their star pitchers. According to an MLB Insider report released this morning, these two aces—who have been instrumental to the team’s success in recent seasons—are expected to make their long-awaited return to the mound. However, despite the excitement surrounding their comeback, there are still lingering concerns about their long-term health, performance, and the potential impact on the Dodgers’ playoff hopes.
The Dodgers’ Pitching Woes
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Dodgers, with their pitching staff enduring a slew of injuries that have tested the depth and resilience of the roster. The team, known for its consistently dominant rotation, has struggled at times to maintain the level of excellence expected from a franchise with such a storied history. While their offense has been productive, keeping them in contention, the absence of their top pitchers has been a glaring weakness that has left fans and analysts questioning whether they have the depth to make a deep postseason run.
Two of the biggest names on the Dodgers’ injured list have been Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, both of whom are now set to return to action. Their absence has been felt acutely, especially during key stretches of the season when the Dodgers needed their aces to help navigate the grueling marathon of games.
The Return of Clayton Kershaw: A Veteran with Something to Prove
Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, has been the face of the Dodgers’ rotation for over a decade. However, the past few seasons have been plagued by injuries for Kershaw, limiting his innings and raising concerns about his durability as he continues to age. The left-hander, who turned 36 earlier this year, has been dealing with a recurring shoulder issue that sidelined him for the majority of the season. Now, after months of rehab and rest, he is reportedly ready to rejoin the rotation.
Kershaw’s return is eagerly awaited not only because of his talent but also because of his leadership. Throughout his career, he has been the backbone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, and his presence on the mound has given the team a psychological advantage. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, combined with his pinpoint command and ability to adapt to hitters over the years, has made him an invaluable asset.
However, Kershaw’s return does not come without questions. The shoulder injury that sidelined him earlier in the year is notoriously tricky, and there is no guarantee that Kershaw will be able to pitch at the elite level fans have come to expect. Even if his velocity is down or his endurance limited, the Dodgers will need to manage his workload carefully. The team has already indicated that they plan to use him cautiously, perhaps limiting his innings or skipping starts to ensure he is available for the postseason.
For Kershaw, the remainder of the season represents an opportunity to prove he still has what it takes to be a difference-maker. After several postseason disappointments earlier in his career, Kershaw finally secured a World Series title in 2020, but his legacy could be further cemented if he can lead the Dodgers to another deep playoff run.
Walker Buehler: The Future of Dodgers Pitching
While Kershaw’s return is crucial, the impending comeback of Walker Buehler may be even more significant for the Dodgers’ long-term outlook. Buehler, who has established himself as one of the most dominant young pitchers in the game, has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the entirety of the 2023 season and a large portion of 2024. His return is seen as a major turning point for the Dodgers, who have missed his electric fastball and bulldog mentality on the mound.
Before his injury, Buehler had emerged as the heir apparent to Kershaw, taking over as the team’s ace and becoming the go-to starter for critical games. His ability to command the strike zone, mix pitches, and maintain high velocity deep into games made him one of the most feared pitchers in the league. In his last full season before the injury, Buehler posted a sub-3.00 ERA, dominated with his strikeout rate, and consistently delivered quality starts.
The recovery from Tommy John surgery, however, is notoriously unpredictable. While many pitchers have returned stronger than ever from the procedure, others have struggled to regain their pre-injury form. For the Dodgers, the question is not only whether Buehler can return to the same level of dominance but also how quickly he can find his rhythm after such a long layoff.
According to team sources, Buehler has looked sharp in his rehab outings, and the Dodgers are cautiously optimistic about his return. Still, they plan to ease him back into the rotation, likely limiting his pitch count in his first few starts. The team is playing the long game, hoping that Buehler will be fully operational by the time the playoffs roll around.
If Buehler can return to form, he could give the Dodgers the one-two punch they need at the top of their rotation, a critical asset in a postseason format where elite starting pitching often makes the difference between advancing and going home.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Playoff Push
The return of Kershaw and Buehler couldn’t come at a better time for the Dodgers, who are in the thick of a competitive playoff race. While the team remains near the top of the standings, they face stiff competition from other National League powerhouses like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. The addition of two elite arms to their rotation could be the final piece that propels the Dodgers past their rivals and into serious contention for another World Series title.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been taxed heavily this season due to the rotation’s inconsistency and injuries, and getting length from their starters will be crucial in the final weeks of the regular season. Both Kershaw and Buehler have shown they can pitch deep into games when healthy, and their return should allow the bullpen to get much-needed rest ahead of the playoffs.
Manager Dave Roberts has expressed optimism about the team’s chances with Kershaw and Buehler back in the fold but has also cautioned that the team must be patient with both pitchers. “We’re thrilled to have them back, but we’re not going to rush anything,” Roberts said in a press conference. “The goal is to have both of them healthy and firing on all cylinders when October rolls around.”
Potential Challenges Ahead
While the return of two aces is undeniably a boost, there are still questions about the depth of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The team has relied on a patchwork rotation for much of the season, with younger arms stepping in to fill the gaps. While some of those young pitchers, like Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan, have shown promise, they lack the postseason experience that Kershaw and Buehler bring to the table.
In addition, the Dodgers will need to consider how they manage the health of their veteran pitchers. Kershaw’s shoulder remains a potential red flag, and Buehler’s recovery from Tommy John surgery will require careful monitoring. If either pitcher experiences setbacks, the Dodgers could once again find themselves scrambling to fill critical innings in the postseason.
Looking Toward October
The Dodgers’ chances of winning another World Series rest heavily on the arms of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. If both can return to form and stay healthy, the team will have one of the most formidable rotations in the league. However, if injuries or performance issues arise, the Dodgers may struggle to overcome the deep and talented rosters of their playoff rivals.
As the 2024 season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Kershaw and Buehler as they make their return to the mound. Their performance will not only determine the Dodgers’ fate this season but could also shape the future of the franchise for years to come. For now, Dodgers fans can only hope that their aces are ready to deliver when it matters most.
