The Dodgers’ Kershaw is on hold and has no plans to face hitters

Clayton Kershaw is in a “holding pattern,” according to manager Dave Roberts, and there are currently no plans for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-time Cy Young Award winner to face hitters while he tries to overcome a toe injury.

“I don’t think there’s been any improvement,” Roberts said Tuesday before his National League West top team opened a crucial three-game series against second-place San Diego. “The fact that he’s not facing hitters this week is pretty telling in itself.”

The 36-year-old left-hander was on the injured list on August 31 due to a bone spur in his left big toe. Kershaw did not return to pitch until July 25 after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.

He was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts before getting injured.

The 10-time All-Star was playing catcher on Tuesday, but “something’s stopping him from facing hitters,” Roberts said. “Hopefully we’ll get a little more clarity on how he’s doing in the next few days.”

Kershaw signed a one-year contract plus a player option for 2025 worth $5 million in February. If he is healthy at the end of this season, he is eligible for a $15 million boost depending on criteria such as starts or relief innings.

“He will do everything he can to be available whenever he is needed,” Roberts said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.