Clayton Kershaw to have foot and knee surgeries

Today at 08:03 AM

Both procedures will be performed next Wednesday in Los Angeles. His timeline for return is TBD

We know Clayton Kershaw will be back with the Dodgers for what will be a record-tying 18th season in 2025. When he might be ready to pitch is still to be determined, as the left-hander will have two surgeries next Wednesday.

Kershaw missed the final month of the regular season and the postseason with left big toe inflammation caused from a bone spur. Not only is that getting repaired, but also the meniscus of his left knee, he told a handful of reporters on Friday after the Dodgers' championship celebration at Dodger Stadium.

From Juan Toribio at MLB.com:

"I have to get my foot fixed and I have to get my left knee fixed, too. It's going to be a two-for-one special," Kershaw said. "I'm going to knock them out at the same time. I don't know the exact timelines. I don't know that. I think you have to go in and get it fixed and then kind of understand the timeline after that."

The surgery on his left foot extends beyond his left big toe. From Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register:

"There's a lot of stuff in there," he said. "I think I ruptured my plantar plate. I think I got a bone spur. I think I got some arthritis. I don't really know. I've got to ask more questions. There's a lot of stuff that needs to be fixed."

Kershaw on Friday also said he had a strained oblique while he was rehabbing his foot, but that injury has healed.

While Kershaw's return for 2025 is not in question, the mechanism for how it will happen hasn't yet been finalized. Kershaw has a player option worth $10 million plus incentives for next season that he must exercise or decline by Monday. If he declines, he'll work out a different contract with the team.

He was one of a group of Dodgers who spoke during the celebration at Dodger Stadium on Friday, the final stop of their championship parade through downtown Los Angeles.

"I've waited for this day for a long time. I've waited to celebrate for a long time," Kershaw said on stage. "I can't imagine being anywhere else right now, and I can't imagine doing it with a better group of guys than this group right here.

"I'm at a loss for words, guys. I didn't have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like — I have the best feeling in the world to get to celebrate with you guys. Two-time champ, and a lot more coming. Let's go!

"I love you guys, thank you. Dodger for life."