Clayton Kershaw Needs Dental Work, But is Otherwise Undamaged After Liner Off Jaw

If you needed anymore proof how much of a warrior Clayton Kershaw is, then Friday’s split squad tilt against the Oakland A’s provided just that. In the bottom of the third inning, Andy Parrino hit a soft line drive that deflected off of Kershaw’s jaw. Kershaw was dazed, but seemed to be ok. His chompers on the other hand did not suffer the same fate.

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Dodger fans, and all of Dodger nation held their collective breaths as the medical team immediately rushed to attend to his injury. They allowed Kershaw to make a warm-up toss to alert them to his status. Apparently Kershaw was ok, and he stayed in the game.

Kershaw ended up retiring eight of the next nine batters after the line drive. Kershaw ended up making 61 pitches on the day. He still had to get in his pitches to build arm strength, while throwing the last three innings with major dental pain. Kershaw ended up having a tooth knocked loose, and chipping another. Kershaw ended up throwing five frames, and allowing one earned run on three hits with four whiffs.

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We could see Kershaw clenching his jaw after the liner struck him. Have no worry though, Kershaw will start the season on time and this will not affect his opening day status. However he will need a lot of dental work done in the next couple of days though. I’m sure Kershaw has a very good dentist.

Unfortunately the Dodgers lost the game to the A’s by a 3-2 score.