After Clayton Kershaw built up to throwing a simulated game which he got through without issue, he was scheduled to join Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment. Instead, Kershaw remained with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a start against the New York Mets.
That Kershaw was even earmarked for a rehab game was a surprise itself. He historically favors returning to Major League action whenever coming off the disabled list. The Dodgers’ decision was understandable, considering he’d last pitched May 31.
Inclement weather in Omaha factored into Kershaw remaining with the Dodgers, though his start at Citi Field was still treated as de facto rehab outing. As such, he was removed after throwing 55 pitches over three innings, collecting four strikeouts in the process.
Following the game, Kershaw deemed himself healthy and said he’ll now focus on improving, per David Adler of MLB.com:
“Good to be back,” Kershaw said. “Now I can focus on getting better. Health-wise, I’m all there now, it’s just a matter of performance. It’s a good first step.
“It wasn’t great, obviously. I think there were some things that were encouraging. A few mistakes. Gave up too many hits. But I think I know what I need to work on.”
Kershaw came out of the gate strong, striking out a pair in a perfect first inning. He surrendered back-to-back doubles and a run in the second, then allowed another run and threw 30 pitches in the third inning.
Considering Kershaw was penciled for four innings or 60 pitches had he joined Oklahoma City, he didn’t necessarily fall too short of expectations. More importantly was the left-handed ace pitching with improved fastball velocity and not suffering any sort of setbacks.
Kershaw joined Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill in coming off the disabled list within the past 10 days, which stabilizes what had become a shaky starting rotation.
Nonetheless, this season marked a fourth in the past five he’s suffered a back injury. Kershaw was also forced to the DL this year by left biceps tendinitis.
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