The Los Angeles Dodgers have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks, and that especially holds true in the starting rotation. The latest to go down was Clayton Kershaw, who unexpectedly was placed on the 10-day disabled list with bicep tendinitis.
Kershaw underwent an MRI and received positive news, as the results didn’t reveal anything more than the tendinitis. That left the three-time Cy Young Award winner feeling encouraged that his injury wasn’t as serious as initially believed.
While Kershaw wouldn’t put a timetable on his return to the mound, he was hopeful to resume playing catch in the coming days. That occurred prior to Wednesday’s and Thursday’s games, with Kershaw extending out to roughly 60 feet.
It was a welcomed sight for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, but he couldn’t yet predict a target return date for his ace, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I’m encouraged that it went well,” Roberts said.
Roberts had no report on Kershaw’s workout, although the ace didn’t appear to be in any discomfort. Roberts said Kershaw still has “a progression” in his rehab before his activation is considered.
The Dodgers undoubtedly will be cautious with Kershaw in order to avoid rushing him back before he’s back to full health.
In the meantime, Ross Stripling will remain in the starting rotation while Kershaw recovers. Top prospect Walker Buehler will also get an extended look as Hyun-Jin Ryu is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future as well.
In seven starts this season, Kershaw is 1-4 with a 2.86 ERA, 3.73 FIP and 1.14 WHIP over 44 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts to 10 walks.
