3 questions Dodgers need answered before 2022 postseason starts

2. Is Clayton Kershaw’s Health Going to Hold up for Dodgers?

Clayton Kershaw’s health has doomed him the last two Octobers. In 2020, he was limited with a back issue, but managed to dig deep and helped secure a World Series despite his limitations. It still wasn’t ideal. Last year, he missed the postseason entirely with an elbow issue.

In 2022, he’s missed time on multiple occasions with hamstring and back issues, further proving his overall health continues to be an obstacle. Kershaw sadly hasn’t had a fully healthy campaign since 2015. That’s eight seasons ago!

But now, his health is more important than ever. At least last year, the team had Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler and Julio Urías ready to take on the burden. Now? It’s … Urías, Tyler Anderson and one of Tony Gonsolin (injured), Andrew Heaney (on and off injured) and Dustin May (still working his way back from Tommy John and might be better suited in a bullpen role).

The Dodgers can’t only have Urías and Anderson as their guaranteed long arms. Kershaw must be front and center if this team stands a chance at getting through the tough National League. If he shows any struggles with his health over the next three weeks, the Dodgers might be stuck with a skeleton crew of a pitching staff at the worst time.