Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw will need more time on the injured list than originally expected as he deals with left shoulder soreness, he said Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

-The later-than-anticipated return comes after Kershaw underwent an MRI. -The three-time Cy Young Award winner did not want to say what specifically was wrong, and added he feels fine, but said doctors want to give his shoulder time to “heal.” -Kershaw, 35, said early August is a fair timeline for him to return.

https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1679950532004249600

What this means for Los Angeles’ rotation?

It obviously puts an even bigger strain on the parts of the Dodgers’ rotation that hasn’t gone as expected. Dustin May is out for the year. Julio Urías hasn’t performed like the guy who got Cy Young votes the last couple years. Tony Gonsolin looks very little like his All-Star form of a year ago.

Los Angeles already has three rookies in its rotation right now and could get another soon as Ryan Pepiot starts a rehab assignment. — Ardaya

What’s next for Kershaw?

It’s a perplexing injury for Kershaw, who said Friday he doesn’t feel any discomfort while throwing. He is still playing catch and could throw a bullpen early next week in Baltimore. If not for him getting an MRI, he said, he might already be back and pitching.

But he will adhere to Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s advice and rest in what has been another brilliant season. He was on pace to get Cy Young votes for the first time since 2020. — Ardaya

Backstory

In 16 starts this season, Kershaw has gone 10-4 with a 2.55 ERA.

When he was placed on the IL, both manager Dave Roberts and Kershaw said they were “very confident” the left-hander would be able to slot back into the Dodgers’ rotation after the All-Star break. He would be eligible to come off the injured list Saturday, the second game after the break, after the Dodgers backdated his placement the maximum three days to June 30.

Kershaw — who earned his 10th All-Star nod this season — was on pace to throw his most innings in a season since 2019, with 95 1/3 innings already to his name after just 126 1/3 a year ago.

Los Angeles is 51-38 this season, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for first in the National League West.

The hits keep coming for Northwestern.

Read the conversation with Oakland mayor Sheng Thao

View the documents given to Manfred (PDFs):

• Summary of Terms
• Infrastructure Financing Plan
• Preliminary Development Plan
• Design Guidelines
• Tentative Tract Map

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Is that the stove I smell? The first sparks?

It's the NL's first win since 2012

NL All-Stars @ AL All-Stars - Tue, Jul 11

Game Status: Game Over - Score: 3-2 NL All-Stars

Links & Info

• MLB Gameday
• Game Graphs
• Savant Gamefeed

Decisions

• Winner: Camilo Doval (1-0, 0.00)
• Loser: Felix Bautista (0-1, 27.00)
• Save: Craig Kimbrel (1, 0.00)

Posted: 07/11/2023 11:27:34 PM EDT

NL All-Stars @ AL All-Stars - Tue, Jul 11

Game Status: Game Over - Score: 3-2 NL All-Stars

Links & Info

• Current conditions at T-Mobile Park: 74°F - Clear - Wind 3 mph, In From LF
• TV: National: FOX-INT, FOX
• Radio: NL All-Stars: ESPN Radio, AL All-Stars: ESPN Radio
• MLB Gameday
• Game Graphs
• Savant Gamefeed

Decisions

• Winner: Camilo Doval (1-0, 0.00)
• Loser: Felix Bautista (0-1, 27.00)
• Save: Craig Kimbrel (1, 0.00)

Last Updated: 07/11/2023 11:27:17 PM EDT

SEATTLE — Shohei Ohtani, the Angels two-way star and the most popular player at the 93rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game, sat at a dais along the outfield warning track of T-Mobile Park late Monday morning. The rest of the American League All-Stars fanned out at tables on both sides of him. A swarm of reporters surrounded Ohtani for his 30-minute availability. It was hard to hear what Ohtani had to say. But he made one familiar message clear: He has grown tired of losing.

“Those feelings get stronger year by year,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “It sucks to lose. [I want] to win.”

Ohtani declined to indulge speculation about either the upcoming trade deadline or his approaching free agency. The Angels (45-46) are not eager to field offers for Ohtani, although an extended stretch of losing could alter the team’s calculus. The club lost nine of its final 10 games in the first half, getting waylaid with injuries while falling to fourth place in the American League West and five games back in the race for the second wild card.

Responsibility for the team’s trouble does not fall at Ohtani’s feet. He has put forth his best first half as a hitter, leading the American League in home runs (32) and OPS (1.050). On the mound, his performance has dipped, ever so slightly, but he has still posted a 3.32 ERA with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He appears on track to collect his second American League MVP trophy in three seasons. A historic payday awaits.

As a free agent this winter, Ohtani is expected to sign the most lucrative contract in baseball history. The contract is expected to surpass $500 million, if not larger, according to rival executives who requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the situation. Ohtani has declined to tip his hand about his preferred destination, whether it be a long-term pact with the Angels or a dalliance with any of the other expected suitors, like the Dodgers or the Mets.

“I’ve never been a free agent before, so I’m not sure how that’s gonna be,” Ohtani said. “I’m focused on this season right now. I just want to do my best this year and try to get as many wins as possible.”

In the days before the break, the Angels collapsed. Mike Trout suffered a fractured hamate bone, underwent surgery and began a rehab process that could last eight weeks. Anthony Rendon has not played since fouling a ball off his leg on July 4. Owner Arte Moreno has committed to not trading Ohtani as long as the club remains in contention. Defining contention will be a task for Moreno’s front office as the Aug. 1 deadline draws closer.

Ohtani declined to offer insight into his opinion on a potential trade. Mizuhara explained that Ohtani “has no control over that, so he just tries not to think about it, focuses on the game that day.” Ohtani is not exactly known for public expansiveness. He limits his briefings with reporters to group sessions after he starts. He made an exception for a jewel event like the All-Star Game.

“This is my third All-Star Game,” Ohtani said. “Every time I come, I mostly think about the All-Star Game next year.”

If Ohtani stays healthy, he will almost certainly appear at next year’s Midsummer Classic. The bigger question is which team will be represented. And where might he be playing before this winter, if the Angels continue to stumble.

“I treat every season as a special season,” Ohtani said. “This season is no different. Regardless of if I’m a free agent next year or not, just try to treat it the same as every other year.”