Dodgers Way News Round Up: Kelly, Kershaw, Martin, Seager

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up prior to Game Five of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The tale of Clayton Kershaw would not be complete lately if it did not include an injury that has fans holding their breath.

The Dodgers ace has been dormant for the last week or so with what Dave Roberts has speculated to be dead arm although there has yet to be an actual diagnosis made public.

Kershaw felt something “off” in the first few days of spring and it ultimately prevented him from making his spring debut.

The absence and the injury have called Kershaw’s ability to make the Opening Day start into question. Since 2010, Kershaw has been the only Dodgers pitcher to start on the first day of the year and at the moment, Dave Roberts is still committed to making that happen.

As of yesterday, Roberts shared with media that Kershaw threw a surprise bullpen session of “about 10 to 12 pitches,” and accompanied that with throws from up to 150 feet.

At this point, any progress with Kershaw should be considered good progress.

The Dodgers’ goal right now needs to be getting Kershaw back on the mound and in spring training games.

It should be made clear that if Kershaw does get on the mound, the battle to start on Opening Day is not over. Kershaw will need to make his spring debut in time to get comfortably stretched out and ready for the season before Roberts can slot him into the order.

At the moment, it does not appear that Kershaw is anywhere near a spring debut.