Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has left shoulder surgery, aims for return next summer

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said he had left shoulder surgery Friday, but expects to be back sometime next summer.

Kershaw posted his status on social media saying that team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache repaired glenohumeral ligaments and his shoulder capsule.

“I am hopeful to return to play at some point next summer,” Kershaw wrote. “Thanks for your prayers!”

The 35-year-old Kershaw missed six weeks of action because of the shoulder injury. He finished the 2023 season with a 13-5 record, a 2.46 ERA, and struck out 137 batters in 131 ⅔ innings.

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He started Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and was shelled for six runs and only got one batter out in the 11-2 loss. The Dodgers, who won 100 games and finished 16 games ahead of Arizona in the NL West, ended up being swept by the Diamondbacks.

Kershaw is now a free agent, after signing a one-year, $20 million contract with Los Angeles last offseason.