An already-depleted Dodgers rotation just got hit with another blow ahead of the start of their October run.
Long-time Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw has been ruled out for the remainder of the post-season with a toe injury, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Saturday ahead of Game 1 against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS.
There’s also concern about first baseman Freddie Freeman’s availability heading into Game 1. The former MVP has been dealing with a sprained ankle since late September but was optimistic about being able to return to the line-up in time for the series opener.
Roberts told reporters he’s “hopeful but not as hopeful as I was yesterday,” about Freeman’s availability, according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae.
Kershaw, 36, was left off the team’s 26-man roster for the NLDS with a bone spur in his big toe but had been hoping to return to the team should they advance further in the post-season.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner struggled with injuries and consistency this season, pitching to a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA in only seven starts, the lowest of his 17-year career.
Freeman, 35, was named an All-Star for the eighth time in his 15-year career this season. He put up .282/.378/.476 batting splits with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Los Angeles is already without ace Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and RHP Gavin Stone (shoulder).
You can catch Game 1 of the NLDS between the Dodgers and Padres at 8:38 p.m. ET / 5:38 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE or stream on Sportsnet+.