Clayton Kershaw DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (knee, toe) said he will face hitters on Saturday for the first time since having surgery on his left knee and left big toe, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Kershaw remains on the same timeline and said he wants to be pitching in games (rehab or otherwise) around the end of May. In what will likely be his final big-league season of a Hall of Fame career, Kershaw is just hoping to be available for the Dodgers to close out the season, so he won't rush his rehab at all after dealing with various injuries the last several seasons. The three-time Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star was able to make only seven starts in 2024 and posted a career-worst 4.50 ERA (3.53 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with 24 strikeouts and nine walks in his 30 innings. Kershaw's workload will be managed upon his return, whenever that is, and he'll be a major dice roll in fantasy.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (toe) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday, per the Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. The 37-year-old veteran was placed on the 15-day IL Monday as he recovers from toe surgery, which was expected to need a lengthier timeline. Kershaw's skills when on the mound are still relevant for fantasy, but the back of his career has been plagued with injuries, and he managed just 30 innings pitched in 2024. The Dodgers have one of baseball's deepest rosters, so they do not need to rush Kershaw back. At this point in his career, the former fantasy ace can likely be left in the player pool of shallower drafts and could be a potential IL stash in very deep leagues.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw (toe), Tony Gonsolin (back), and Michael Kopech (shoulder) were all placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday night. These were part of a flourish of roster moves the Dodgers made prior to their opening game in Tokyo, Japan. None of these moves came as a surprise, as these injuries have been known for a while. Kershaw is expected to require an extended absence as he recovers from toe surgery, but Gonsolin and Kopech figure to be in the mix much sooner. Kopech is an arm the Dodgers will definitely be eager to get back after he posted a 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 24 innings after being dealt to them last season from the Chicago White Sox.