After nearly one month of being limited to core and back exercises, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers. With time beginning to run short in the regular season, Kershaw is slowly but surely advancing toward a return.
Kershaw was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 1, retroactive to June 27, with a mild disc herniation. There weren’t many details provided in regards to a timetable, but Kershaw was said to be recovering ahead of schedule.
That led to the left-handed ace throwing a simulated game July 17, which caused back pain to resurface and Kershaw to shut his recovery down.
As planned, he joined the Dodgers on Friday and played catch, checking off another box. Next is a light bullpen session on Saturday, and if all goes well, a second bullpen session with more intensity, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
Kershaw is expected to throw 20 to 25 pitches in Saturday’s bullpen session then throw a longer, 40-pitch session when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Kershaw didn’t report any pain or discomfort after the bullpen, and he threw on flat ground again Sunday. Assuming Kershaw gets through the second bullpen session, he presumably would then advance to facing hitters; that could come in a rehab assignment with a Minor League affiliate.
Both the Dodgers and Kershaw have kept details of the recovery process sparse. The 28-year-old reiterated Friday he remains hopeful of contributing this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has previously stated he expects Kershaw to return at some point in September. At the very least, the club must wait until Aug. 27 to activate Kershaw from the 60-day disabled list.
Of course, given his trajectory, returning on, or near that date, isn’t plausible. The Dodgers have already ruled out Hyun-Jin Ryu pitching again this season but along with Kershaw, are awaiting the return of Alex Wood.
