Clayton Kershaw has remained optimistic despite facing a brief shutdown period because of lingering left shoulder soreness, and he’s picked back up with the rehab process since resuming a throwing program.
Kershaw played catch at Dodger Stadium on Monday and Tuesday, which put him on track to throw a bullpen session Thursday. “I would argue he looks better than he did when he was making his way back a few weeks ago, so I’m really encouraged,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week.
“Just watching him stretch it out, he stretched out [Monday], came back [Tuesday] and didn’t feel anything. Feels good. Did it again today, so I’m really encouraged about [Thursday] and at that point in time we’ll see about getting him back out on rehab.”
Kershaw took the next step with an estimated 30-pitch bullpen session and now should advance to facing batters in a simulated game, per Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
If everything checks out well afterward, the next step for Kershaw would be a simulated game likely at Dodger Stadium.
Should Kershaw remain healthy and continue with a progression after the simulated game, it would keep him on track to begin a second rehab assignment. His first lasted just one outing for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on June 19.
The expectation is Kershaw would need to make at least two more rehab starts before joining the Dodgers rotation.
Clayton Kershaw trying to remain patient
Kershaw historically has been open about his frustration with being injured, but the prolonged recovery process since having shoulder surgery has come with pros and cons.
“I don’t want to say it’s been miserable, because I’ve gotten to spend time with my family and have a lot more family time and be able to hang out with them more,” Kershaw said. “But I mean, yeah. You don’t feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Even though it was kind of part of the deal with the surgery where you knew you’d be out for some time.
“Being around more now, getting closer, and kind of tasting being able to be back out there, each day is starting to be a little bit more tedious. I get it. I mean, rehab is not fun. Guys have had to do it over and over again. It’s a grind mentally, for sure. A little more respect for guys that have come back from big stuff all the time.
“I’m ready to be done with it, but we’ve got a little more time to go.”
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