Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has long made it clear he hopes for Clayton Kershaw to spend his entire career with the franchise, and that moved one step closer to becoming a reality on Friday.
Kershaw and the Dodgers reportedly agreed to a one-year contract for the 2022 season that is worth $17 million and includes incentives. Kershaw’s salary last year — as part of contract extension signed after the 2018 season — was $31 million.
The 33-year-old went into the offseason facing some injury concern as he was unable to pitch in the playoffs due to a left flexor tendon strain. It marked a second time last year Kershaw suffered from that specific injury.
According to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times, Kershaw is not at his usual Spring Training progression, which presumably is related to the forearm trouble:
Kershaw told The Athletic’s Andy McCullough on Friday he is healthy but behind where he typically would be this time of year.
While a flexor tendon injury often is a precursor for Tommy John surgery, Kershaw and the Dodgers have maintained his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remained intact.
He treated the injury with a platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) injection and was confident time off would also allow for a full recovery. “I’m going to rest and let it heal. I’m not going to get surgery on it or anything,” Kershaw said during the National League Division Series.
“Everybody I’ve talked to, all the doctors and everything, feel good that I’ll be good to go by Spring Training, so that’s the plan.”
During a recent appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Kershaw indicated he was preparing for the start of the 2022 regular season. His comments came prior to a new collective bargaining agreement being put into place.
Where Kershaw fits into Dodgers starting rotation
Once the unquestioned ace of the staff, Kershaw now figures to be the Dodgers’ No. 3 starter, behind Walker Buehler and Julio Urias.
He is still plenty effective when healthy, and went 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA, 3.00 FIP and 1.02 WHIP over 22 starts.
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