Clayton Kershaw Injury History: Every ailment that Dodgers ace has faced in his career

Clayton Kerhsaw’s return from his offseason surgeries, whenever that may be, will continue to add to his legacy as the face of the Dodgers. Among active players, he is the embodiment of loyalty, and when he throws his first pitch of 2025, he will match Bill Russell for the longest career spent solely in a Dodgers uniform.

Looking back at Kershaw’s 18 years with the franchise, his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer (if not a unanimous selection) is not in doubt. He has three Cy Youngs, ten All-Star selections, and owns the lowest career ERA since 1920. Given his injury history, though, one wonders how much more he could have achieved.

Clayton Kershaw has done it all, but his accolades have slowed due to late-career injuries with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early in his career, Kershaw was the picture of health and durability. Over his first eight seasons, he started 30 or more games six times, and he was the first Dodger pitcher since Orel Hershiser to pitch 200+ in three straight seasons (2010-2012). He added a fourth for good measure in 2013.

When Kershaw landed on the injured list for the first time in his career due to a left shoulder strain in 2014, the Dodgers were understandably concerned. He was coming off his second Cy Young Award, and Los Angeles had finally toppled the Giants atop the NL West. Luckily, Kershaw returned more dominant than before. He tossed his no-hitter amid a streak of 39 straight scoreless innings, and his FIP never rose above 2.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw injury history since 2016

Since 2016, though, Kershaw has endured injuries in every season. His poor health began with a herniated disc that forced him onto the 60-day injured list in late June. He was able to return and maintain his top form, posting a 1.29 ERA over his final five starts. However, Kershaw did not have his trademark ability to go deep into games and completed just 28 innings over those five outings.

Kershaw’s lower back flared up again in 2017 when he missed all of August. In 2018, he dealt with biceps tendonitis in his pitching arm at the beginning of the season, and yet again, he missed almost a month due to lower back discomfort.

The 2019 season began in a similar fashion to 2025 with Kershaw on the IL. The ace, who had started eight straight Opening Day games, missed the season opener due to shoulder inflammation. He missed the following Opening Day as well due to back stiffness. His 2021 campaign, during which he resumed his Opening Day duties, was marred by elbow inflammation and a series of setbacks during his rehab caused him to miss the postseason as the Dodgers attempted to defend their 2020 title.

Clayton Kershaw back stiffness and inflammation robbed starts in 2019 and 2021

In 2022, despite two trips to the IL (SI joint and back pain), Kershaw started the All-Star Game and set the franchise record for strikeouts. He continued to add to his accolades in 2023 when he was once again an All-Star, tying Pee Wee Reese for most selections in Dodger Blue. Unfortunately, he ended the season with shoulder soreness that led to his first surgery. Due to his recovery, he missed the first half of the 2024 season.

Kershaw is now coming off his worst year to date. He completed just 30 innings and posted a 4.50 ERA. He missed the Dodgers’ World Series run due to a bone spur in his left big toe that required surgery. He also had surgery on his left knee during the offseason.

No matter how long Kershaw remains active in 2025, fans will eagerly await his starts. When healthy, he is must-watch TV even at the age of 37. The lefty is drawing close to a return and could surpass 3,000 strikeouts this season. With the Dodgers’ rotation in flux, having the franchise face back in the fold, for as long as he stays healthy, will be a boon.