Dodgers Clayton Kershaw undergoes shoulder surgery, hopes to pitch in 2024

In an Instagram post, Kershaw announced, "I am hopeful to return to play at some point next summer."

He’s not done yet.

Clayton Kershaw announced that he underwent surgery on his pitching shoulder Friday morning but hopes to pitch again “at some point next summer.”

Kershaw’s post on Instagram described it as a procedure to “repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule” in his shoulder. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery.

There are three glenohumeral ligaments in the shoulder which give the joint stability. Depending on the complexity of the repair performed by Dr. ElAttrache, Kershaw could begin a throwing program as soon as six months after surgery. The 35-year-old left-hander made no mention of a recovery timetable in his post.

Kershaw pitched with an unspecified shoulder injury for the final two months of last season after spending six weeks on the Injured List at mid-season. His fastball velocity dipped in the final month and his start in the Dodgers’ National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks was the worst of Kershaw’s major-league career. He faced eight batters and retired only one, giving up six runs on six hits and a walk.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner was effective during the regular season, going 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts. The number of starts and innings pitched (131 ⅔) were Kershaw’s highest totals since the 2019 season and led the Dodgers whose rotation was decimated by injuries and Julio Urias’ off-field issues.

Kershaw has signed one-year contracts each of the past two seasons, postponing his decision about retirement until after each season. After the Dodgers were eliminated by the Diamondbacks, Kershaw responded “I’m not sure” to questions about his future. Friday’s Instagram post seems to clearly indicate he intends to continue his career next year – even if he can only return for a portion of the 2024 season.

Kershaw is currently a free agent and is unlikely to sign with anyone but the Dodgers or the Texas Rangers. The Dallas native has expressed an interest in pitching for his hometown team in the past.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said after the end of the season that the team “absolutely” wants to re-sign Kershaw if he decides he wants to play in 2024.