Clayton Kershaw is in “a holding pattern” and there are currently no plans for the Dodgers’ three-time Cy Young Award winner to face hitters as he tries to overcome a toe injury.

“I don’t think there’s any improvement,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday before his NL West-leading team opened a crucial three-game series against second-place San Diego. “The fact that he doesn’t face any hitters this week is telling in itself.”

The 36-year-old left-hander was placed on the injured list on August 31 with a bone spur in his left big toe. Kershaw didn’t 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 played catch Tuesday, but “there’s something holding him back from developing into a hitter,” Roberts said. “Hopefully we will get some more clarity about how he is feeling in the coming days.”

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Kershaw signed a one-year contract plus a player option for 2025 worth $5 million in February, which, if healthy by the end of this season, could escalate by $15 million based on criteria regarding starts or relief -innings.

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

Reporting by Associated Press.

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