Sidelined since July 7 with left forearm inflammation, Clayton Kershaw continues to make progress toward returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation.
He continued to play catch throughout the past week and advanced to getting off the mound for a bullpen session.
Having cleared that hurdle, Kershaw will now face hitters at Oracle Park. “Probably Tuesday, he’ll do a simulated game in San Francisco to face some hitters,” manager Dave Roberts said of Kershaw’s next step.
“Once we get through that, we’ll see the next step. Whether it’s a rehab assignment or activation, I don’t know. Right now, get through this ‘pen session, do a live BP against our guys, and then we’ll have more information.”
Whether a potential rehab assignment will be necessary is going to depend on how Kershaw feels coming out of the simulated game.
The left-hander previously stated he is expecting to be activated off the 10-day injured list in August, which would give him enough time to build back up for the stretch run and postseason.
With Kershaw currently unavailable, L.A. used Darien Nuñez as an opener for the first game his spot in the starting rotation came up, but it is expected to now be filled by Josiah Gray moving forward.
The Dodgers’ top pitching prospect entered after Nuñez and logged four innings in his MLB debut and started the series finale against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
Dodgers targeting starting pitching at MLB trade deadline
Even if Kershaw is able to return in the next couple of weeks, the Dodgers still figure to be on the prowl for starting pitching at the July 30 MLB trade deadline.
As for potential targets, there are conflicting reports regarding potential interest in Kansas City Royals southpaw Danny Duffy, who recently suffered a left flexor strain for the second time this season.
There are plenty of other hurlers believed to be on the market, as well, ranging from Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer to more innings-eater types.
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