The Los Angeles Dodgers started the 2025 regular season with a bang, handling the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo and then returning home to sweep the Detroit Tigers at Chavez Ravine. There were many things to be impressed about, including the team’s grit during Friday night’s comeback against the Cubs in extra innings.

This club might be as deep as we’ve seen in decades if most of the key players stay healthy. The starting rotation is solid with a handful of high-quality arms that will be around for the next several seasons. And, with reinforcements likely available by mid-season, the Dodgers should easily be able to switch to a six-man rotation whenever needed.

Latest on Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw is progressing in his recovery from two surgeries he underwent in the offseason to address a torn left meniscus in his knee and a ruptured plantar plate in his left big toe. Saturday marked a significant milestone as he faced hitters for the first time since last season in a live batting practice session before the team’s game against the Tigers. Kershaw described his current stage as “going through spring training right now, basically,” indicating he’s following a deliberate ramp-up process.

While Kershaw remains optimistic about his progress, saying “I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, but definitely getting there,” there is still no definitive timeline for his return beyond the target of late May when he becomes eligible to come off the 60-day injured list. The toe surgery presents the greater challenge in his recovery, specifically affecting his ability to push off the rubber, with Kershaw noting that “there’s been only one or two baseball players that have had this surgery.”

The 2024 season will be Kershaw’s 18th in the majors, all with the Dodgers, after signing a one-year deal worth $7.5 million guaranteed with additional incentives. Last season, following back surgery and subsequent toe issues, Kershaw was limited to a career-low 30 innings with a 4.50 ERA and did not participate in the club’s championship playoff run. He remains focused on progressing to game action, with plans to begin a minor league rehab assignment around late May if he stays on track.

Tony Gonsolin Getting Closer

Tony Gonsolin is working his way back to the Dodgers rotation, having thrown a live batting practice session on Friday as part of his rehabilitation process. Following UCL surgery in August 2023 that sidelined him for all of last season, Gonsolin faced another setback when he injured his back while lifting weights this spring, landing him on the 15-day injured list just as he appeared ready to open the season on the active roster.

“I felt like my body was feeling great and then to have something like that non-baseball-related [injury] really sucked, honestly,” Gonsolin said to reporter Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register this weekend.

Despite this frustration, Gonsolin maintains a positive outlook on his recovery, noting that he views this as “a minor setback” and intends to use this additional time to “build back up and get into an even better position” for his eventual return to the mound.

Looking Ahead

In addition to Kershaw and Gonsolin, it’s highly possible that fans will see a return to the mound for superstar Shohei Ohtani. Although last year’s MVP continues as the team’s everyday designated hitter, there hasn’t been much information about any type of throwing program.

In other exciting news, Dustin May will get the start against the Atlanta Braves at home in the middle game of a three-game set on Tuesday. The start will mark the 27-year-old right hander’s first regular season appearance since May of 2023.

Righty Tyler Glasnow will make his first start of the season in the series opener on Monday.