WASHINGTON (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching injury woes aren’t likely to go away any time soon.
Manager Dave Roberts said surgery “is more of a possibility” for Clayton Kershaw after a setback with the herniated disk in his back, and left-hander Alex Wood will miss eight weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his elbow.
Kershaw has been out since June 27 because of mild disk herniation and felt discomfort after a throwing session on Saturday. Roberts said no doctors told him that surgery was more likely for the three-time National League Cy Young Award winner but inferred that based on the type of injury.
“With the way it flared up, it’s more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility obviously with the way his back responded,” Roberts said Wednesday. “But we’re still hopeful that he’s going to be back. When you’re talking about the back, (surgery is) always an option.”
Roberts said Kershaw, who’s 11-2 with a National League-leading 1.79 ERA, is doing more conservative exercises now and not performing any baseball activities with the goal of calming the back pain down. Kershaw does not have shooting pain in his back, which would be a sign that the injury is more severe.
“His focus is getting back,” Roberts said.
Wood could be back in September after having loose bodies cleaned out of his elbow. Roberts said the calendar makes Wood’s return to the starting rotation unlikely but hopes the 25-year-old could come out of the bullpen if healthy.
“He’s going to do everything he can to get back,” Roberts said. “He was pitching so well before he got hurt initially, and he had such high hopes for this season. To come back and to want to contribute and then to have another setback, I think it’s very disappointing for all of us. Hopefully he can come back and help us in some capacity.”
Wood underwent the surgery Wednesday afternoon in New York. It was performed by Dr. David Altchek.
As much as Wood being back could help the Dodgers, they need Kershaw to return to stay in contention. Roberts said Kershaw is trying to keep his teammates positive while he’s out.
“He’s disappointed because he knows how much he can help us,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers lost another pitcher when right-handed reliever Chris Hatcher felt some pain in his side during an appearance Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. Los Angeles placed him on the disabled list with an oblique injury and recalled infielder Charlie Culberson.
Hatcher is the 22nd Dodgers player to go on the disabled list this season.