Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Plantar fasciitis nags Kershaw

This news from Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, I find pretty alarming:

Dodgers Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for the past week, manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday.

Kershaw took a painful step going to first base Monday night, and Mattingly said it’s “a little plantar fasciitis. He took a funny step and just felt it.”

Mattingly said Kershaw has been receiving treatment for the condition for “at least a week.” …

I recall Mark McGwire and Tim Salmon having major problems with this condition years back. No idea if Kershaw’s case in the same ballpark, but of course, the added fear is that it causes him to adjust his mechanics and create more problems for himself.

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146 Comments

  1. Anonymous

    I think there’s a pretty wide spectrum of the severity of that condition.

    • Anonymous

      Very wide! A left hander would land on his right. But he probably would only care as much as the guy in Young Frankenstein. (Damn–I can’t remember his name).

  2. Anonymous

    “He says he doesn’t feel it at all [while pitching, only when running].”

    •  I see where he says that, but just count me as suspicious a) that it’s true and b) that it stays that way.

      • Anonymous

        Oh, just put an arch in a shoe and tighten up the laces. Also,  stop running for awhile.

      • Anonymous

        I did assume all you say in the above reply; but, I felt the readers here should see the quote I put up.

    • Anonymous

      It depends what foot it is in. I would assume that if it’s in his right foot (which he lands on), he wouldn’t feel it much when he pitched.

  3. Nice play for that ground out, that play is not easy at all–good sprint by Chad to get there.
    On the plantar issue, yeah it’s worrisome that he’s had this for a little while (though it also may explain why he hasn’t pitched quite as well as he normally does –though still very well for the most part). It can be a nagging thing, so it’s a worry. I hope they figure out a way to keep him from feeling it too much basically, you can wrap it and protect it and basically cut it down a bit… but, owie. 

  4. Anonymous

    Plantar fasciitis ended the career of Gary Bennett. And not being able to throw the ball back to the pitcher.

  5. KT

    When you have Plantar Faciitis it bothers you everytime you take a step but usually more after you haven’t walked in a while for example right after you wake up in the morning
     
    I can see how he could adjust his pitching mechanics to compensate without even realizing he’s doing it

    I had it in different intensities for several years…no longer bothering me now

    • Yep, I agree.  If they have to do surgery that puts him out for a little while, eh?

      • KT

        I would never let a doctor to perform surgery on my feet or ankles…I know too many people who have had it done and no don’t walk right

  6. Anonymous

    Comes in widely varying degrees and is treatable

    • KT

      They even give you custom orthotics to help relieve the pressure and pain…It took several years for mine to go completely away

  7. Anonymous

    What is Plantar fasciitis (say “PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.

    Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.

    What causes plantar fasciitis?
    Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:

    1) Your feet roll inward too much when you walk (excessive pronation ).
    2) You have high arches or flat feet.
    3) You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
    4) You are overweight.
    5) You wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.
    6) You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.

    __

    From WebMD.

  8. I swear this ump is just trolling batters at this point.
    Gordon’s “are you kidding me, dayaamn” reaction was perfect.

    • KT

      I don’t think Randy’s brother would do that…He has a lot of integrity

  9. Anonymous

    According to MLBTR, the Dodgers have inquired about John Lannan, who is stinking it up for the Nats’ AAA team.

    • He’s pretty crummy. Must be just for pitching depth. We’ll trade them Stephen Fife. :-/

      • Anonymous

        The Rockies have also inquired, so we can hope they make a better offer.

      • Anonymous

        Fife, after pitching terribly once he came to the Dodger org, then also in the Arizona Fall League, then for a good while in this season, has pitched pretty well lately for Alb.

  10. KT

    What up with Polanco’s head…he has enourmus temples? not sure of the correct termonology

  11. Anonymous

    Lee and Ruiz are just playing catch.

  12. Anonymous

    I would feel less irritated if Collins could learn how to pronounce “Plácido.”

    • Anonymous

      I would feel less irritated if the Dodgers replaced Collins with Jim Watson.

  13. Anonymous

    At least this foot condition can be monitored– and usually easily controlled  for Kershaw.

    Now this isn’t rocket science, but Lee is doing really well: and yet if each batter had managed to make him throw two more pitches he would probably have left the game or be leaving now. Perhaps I am making a fantasy of something that is impossible, but maybe a motivated team could have done this. Who knows?

    • Noting to do with motivation.
      Has something to do with a pitcher who generally never walks anyone, throws mostly strikes, and is given added benefit of a wider than normal strike zone. Also has something to do with not having Matt Kemp. ;) But yeah, they could foul off a few more pitches, that’s about the only strategy they could employ a bit better. Can’t take too many pitches though when a guy is throwing all strikes. 

  14. Anonymous

    We struggle against borderline major league pitchers, no surprise we are getting owned by a legit one.

  15. Bills is pitching a real nice game but you cant give Lee a lead even if it is one run. 

  16. KT

    Nice Matty!!

  17. KT

    Come on Tony bring him in

  18. Gameday has frozen (for me, at least). Can anyone give me a game update?

  19. wow! Steve Lyons just said that since 2008, Bills has pitched in games where the team has scored 1 run or less for him…..50 times.

  20. KT

    treanor on second gywnn up with a 1-2 count got the bunt down and they threw out treanor at third

    • Anonymous

      I think the question I was going to ask has just been answered (where on earth are we going to get a run today)

    • that was so brutal.

  21. Anonymous

    Mattingly manages like a coward with all of this ridiculous bunting.  Let your team score some runs, Don.

    • Anonymous

      it is not ridiculous to bunt trailing by 1 run in the top of the 8th with a man on 2nd when the home team pitcher is one of the best in MLB and that pitcher has already put in a new high for the year in pitches thrown. In fact, it is smart to do so.

      • Anonymous

        No, it is ridiculous.  And your example doesn’t track.  The fact that the pitcher had a high pitch count is exactly the reason to not give him a quick, easy out.

        • Anonymous

          Play to tie at home, win on the road. I was yelling at my TV. Then the cable went out and I missed the game winner. That’ll teach me.

  22. KT

    Now 1 out Abreu up and gywnn on 1st 0-2 count

  23. Anonymous

    LOL this team. 2 outs in a row at third. Smh

  24. KT

    base hit to rf again by gordon 1 & 2nd 2 outs herrera up

  25. Anonymous

    Gee, if Don would have just sat there, this game would be tied right now.  

  26.  So it’s the eighth inning? Did Chad finish seven innings?

  27. Anonymous

    All of MLBTV has apparently gone on the fritz.

  28. Anonymous

    What a nightmare.

  29. KT

    ELIAN!!!!!

    • Anonymous

      I assume that is !!!! good, not !!!! frustration ;)

  30. KT

    double off the wall just out of the reach of Pierre gordon scores from 1st

  31. KT

    No win for Lee again

  32. Anonymous

    Herrera for everyday starter

  33. All of this off Lee?

  34. YES!!!!! an inch a way from a HR..2-1 dodgers with 2 strikes!

  35. Anonymous

    As usual, Pierre’s speed does not grant him the ability to judge fly balls.

  36. KT

    Jon still need the updates?

  37. Anonymous

    Looks like Lee threw a hanger to Herrera…

  38. thankfully Juan Pierre was out there cause that could have been caught. 

    • KT

      a 1/2 a foot either way…Caught/Hr

      •  look at it again. i mean you are right but he mistimed his jump. not an easy play but a play that could have been made

        • KT

          just rewound it and it looked like he could have jumped too soon but he jumped too high and the ball hit below and inside his glove (towards his head)

  39. KT

    Dre to lead off the 9th…due up for the phils Pierre, Pence, Ruiz

  40. peter drysdale

    Looks like Elian is tired of the minors. Doesn’t wanna go back down. Really liking him.

  41. KT

    loney in at 1st, lindblom pitching

  42. KT

    2-1 count to pierre

  43. KT

    0-2 to pence

  44. KT

    Flyball to Gywnn 2 outs

  45. Anonymous

    have to give credit to Billz today, don’t know how his numbers will look at the end of the year but at least today he pitched to his potential.

    • Anonymous

       Just gonna say that.  Nice job Billz

  46. KT

    1-1 to ruiz

  47. KT

    Gywnn made a running catch in Left centerfield 3 outs

    • KT

      covered a lot of ground to get to the ball

  48. Anonymous

     Thanks for the play  by play, very helpful with MLBTV completely out.

    • KT

      that’s what Jon said…I have no problem doing it

  49. KT

    due up Dre, castellanos, Hairston

  50. Anonymous

    looks like the wind got taken out of the Phillies players & fans based on some of the camera shots.

  51. KT

    Nice grab by galvis in the hole to take a single away from Dre 1 out

  52. Anonymous

    Gameday is connected once again, but it’s stuck in the top of the seventh.

  53. KT

    Check swing hit to the 2nd baseman galvis 2 outs

  54. KT

    hairston to middle warning track Right field to pence 3 outs

  55. Anonymous

    Well, had the Phillies been forced to get more than one out in the 8th, this 9th inning would be a lot less stressful.

  56. Anyone happen to catch Chad’s final game totals: innings, hits, walks, strikeouts, pitches?

  57. KT

    due up victorino, wiggington, polanco

  58. Victorino, Wigginton, Polanco due up bottom of 9th. Shane, don’t get yourself on my local sports highlights tonight, please.

  59. KT

    I see mlb is back up

  60. ESPN Gamecast seems to be working now as an alternative. 

  61. Christopher Staaf

    Come on KJ, do your thing big man. 

  62. KT

    All right 2 more Kenley

  63. Anonymous

    I can watch on the iPad, but not on Apple TV.

  64. KT

    Come on DP

  65. Anonymous

     Now it’s OK. Let’s get two easy outs here.

  66. KT

    wiggington single to center, Mayberry pinch runner, fotenot pinch hitter 1-1 the count

  67. KT

    K 1 more Kenley

  68. KT

    galvis has me worried

  69. KT

    Come on Kenley 2-1 to galvis

  70. KT

    now 2-2

  71. KT

    YESSSS!!!

    • Christopher Staaf

      Just win baby! With each save and each strikeout, KJ is making me a believer!

  72. Anonymous

    YES

    2 in a row, winning streak?

  73. KT

    Herrera comes through again…Love this guy

  74. Anonymous

    good ‘ol high heat to strike out the last two Phillies.

  75. Anonymous

    Very Kenley!

  76. Phew! Way to go, young Kenley!

  77. Christopher Staaf

    Good outing by Chad. Even though he had a no decision, this was his best outing since his 1st start of the season. Maybe Treanor should catch him next time too. 

    • bcmaiden

      Left to vote all depressed and came back to catch a last minute victory for the CHADSTER. Way to recover from that horrid 1st inning. 

    • KT

      He won…Abreu hit for him in the top of the eigth

      • Christopher Staaf

        Good call KT. Damn I thought Lindblom got it but you are right. I retract my statement of no-decision. However, Treanor should catch him next outing. 

  78. KT

    Jon I gave you Billz totals above

  79. peter drysdale

    Herrera for MVP!!

  80. Thanks for the PBP.

    NPUT

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