### Dodgers to Tackle 2024 Playoffs Without Kershaw and Key Pitchers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to embark on their 2024 MLB playoff journey without pitching ace Clayton Kershaw, a significant blow to their postseason ambitions. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Kershaw's absence just hours before their National League Division Series (NLDS) matchup against the San Diego Padres.

Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been sidelined since August due to a bone spur in his toe, a situation that has only deteriorated. "Clayton has done everything he can to keep this thing moving forward and giving himself a chance to participate in the postseason," Roberts explained. "But where he's at right now, physically, the foot, the toe just is not cooperating. It's actually getting worse."

The 36-year-old pitcher re-signed with the Dodgers last offseason on a contract filled with performance incentives, after undergoing shoulder surgery following the 2023 season. Despite joining the roster midway through the season, he managed to make only seven starts before the toe issue resurfaced. For these efforts, Kershaw will collect his $5 million base salary for 2024, along with $2.5 million in incentives and a $5 million player option for the following season. However, he will miss out on significant postseason bonuses.

Kershaw's injury raises questions about his future with the Dodgers. His return was partly fueled by a desire to redeem a lackluster previous postseason, where he allowed six earned runs in just one out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2024 NLDS. This season saw him post a negative bWAR and a 4.50 ERA, pitching an average of just 4.3 innings per start. Considering he has not qualified for the ERA title in five years and last reached 200 innings nine years ago, retirement or a move to another team could be on the horizon.

The Dodgers are also dealing with other significant injuries. Veteran reliever Joe Kelly will miss the NLDS after tweaking his shoulder in a simulated game. Additionally, the team is contending with the absence of Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Brusdar Graterol.

Meanwhile, the Padres are also grappling with their own setback. All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove is out due to an impending Tommy John surgery.