The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing their best baseball of the season.
They have an ongoing 10-game winning streak and have augmented their lead in the NL West to 10 games over the San Francisco Giants.
The most impressive part is that they have won a lot in recent weeks without their top pitcher, Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw went down in early July with a shoulder injury.
For a pitcher of his age (35 years old), every shoulder injury should be a cause for concern.
However, he made a solid return last week with five one-run innings against the Colorado Rockies.
On Wednesday, his second start since returning from his shoulder ailment, he pitched another nice five innings with just one run allowed.
“Clayton Kershaw’s night: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 Ks, 71 pitches, 21 CSW%. His ERA is 2.48. Dave Roberts had said pregame he was thinking Kershaw could go 80-90 pitches, but could go shorter depending on stress,” Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya tweeted.
Clayton Kershaw's night:
5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 Ks, 71 pitches, 21 CSW%. His ERA is 2.48.
Dave Roberts had said pregame he was thinking Kershaw could go 80-90 pitches, but could go shorter depending on stress.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 17, 2023
Obviously, with LA being so far ahead in the standings, their focus is now getting their top players in shape for the playoffs.
There is little point in having Kershaw throw 90 or 100 pitches in his second outing back from shoulder soreness.
They have the luxury of running him out there, slowly increasing his pitch output, so he can be close to 100 in late September.
Los Angeles wants to win its first World Series title since 2020, and to do that, they need Kershaw fully healthy.
At this point, his shoulder appears to be in good shape.
That’s all that matters.
NEXT: The Dodgers Are Back To Their Expected Ways
