LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers held their annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, which at all times means the beginning of the season is true across the nook.
This time round, it was full of Shohei Ohtani No. 17 jerseys and the excitement across the latest famous person, and the joy surrounding the workforce’s $1 billion winter was palpable.
Nonetheless, for the primary time in over a decade, there was one particular person lacking on the 40-man roster previous to the occasion: three-time Nationwide League Cy Younger Award winner Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw, who underwent left shoulder surgical procedure this winter, stays a free agent with lower than per week remaining earlier than the Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers have their first exercise at Camelback Ranch.
The Dodgers, even at this stage within the offseason, received’t ever shut the door on bringing again arguably their most profitable pitcher in franchise historical past.
“Yeah, for positive,” stated Dodgers basic supervisor Brandon Gomes, when requested if Kershaw was nonetheless a chance. “We proceed to remain in contact with Clayton, and we’ll progress.”
As has been the case over the previous couple of winters, Kershaw’s free agent resolution will come right down to the Dodgers — the one group he has ever performed for — or the Rangers, who would enable him to remain at his Dallas-area house year-round.
Up so far, there hasn’t gave the impression to be a lot traction between the Rangers and the left-hander. Kershaw received’t have the ability to pitch within the Majors till a minimum of August. The Rangers have already got a handful of starters who will probably be sidelined to start out the season.
For the Dodgers, including Kershaw would give them extra insurance coverage in a beginning rotation that may be very proficient, however does come into the spring with some query marks. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has by no means pitched within the Majors and should adapt to a brand new ball, nation and massive league hitters. Tyler Glasnow has additionally been bitten by the damage bug all through his profession.
Then there’s Walker Buehler, who will not begin the season with the Dodgers as he continues to attempt to get totally wholesome following a second Tommy John surgical procedure, supervisor Dave Roberts confirmed Saturday. The query for Kershaw is when he needs to make his resolution, given he received’t be prepared by Opening Day.
It’s broadly anticipated that he’ll decide by the beginning of the season so as to work with a coaching workers. And whereas it stays to be seen what he chooses, there’s loads of mutual curiosity between the Dodgers and the longer term doubtless first-ballot Corridor of Famer.