Clayton Kershaw announced Friday that he underwent surgery on his left throwing shoulder and is hoping for a potential 2024 return. 

“This morning I underwent a surgical procedure to repair the gleno-humeral ligaments and capsule of my left shoulder,” Kershaw wrote in an Instagram post. “I am thankful for the expertise of Dr. ElAttrache who performed the surgery. I am hopeful to return to play at some point next summer. Thanks for your prayers!”

The longtime Dodgers ace and current free agent had previously hinted at a potential retirement after the 2023 season. 

Kershaw has been tormented by injuries in recent years. 

The 35-year-old southpaw missed six weeks in 2023 with shoulder inflammation and has been plagued with persistent back problems since 2016. 

Kershaw posted a 2.46 ERA across 24 starts this season, his 16th in the big leagues.