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Dodgers Video: Clayton Kershaw Throws First Bullpen Session Since Being Shut Down In Spring Training

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After signing a three-year, $93 million contract extension to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw made it known he was fueled by criticism he was on the decline.

Although he had the extra motivation, the start of Spring Training did not pan out for the left-handed ace. He was temporarily shut down due to inflammation in his left shoulder, and the first attempt at playing catch did not go well.

However, Kershaw tested his shoulder a couple days after that, and has since continued to move on from the shoulder trouble. After steadily increasing the level of intensity with his throwing sessions, Kershaw was cleared to get off a mound.

Monday’s bullpen session was his first since Feb. 20. Kershaw threw 20 pitches and limited it just his fastball.

Assuming he does not suffer any sort of setback, Kershaw should throw another bullpen session at which point he presumably would begin to incorporate some off-speed pitches. From there, he would advance to throwing live batting practice and that could be followed by making his 2019 Cactus League debut.

Though, the Dodgers are content taking matters one day at a time. And despite Kershaw not being built up in any capacity, the club has maintained the door is not shut on the three-time Cy Young Award winner making his scheduled start on Opening Day.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com