The Los Angeles Dodgers expect to activate Clayton Kershaw off the 10-day injured list for their upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants, with manager Dave Roberts indicating the finale at Oracle Park as the earliest potential return date.
Kershaw made a rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga this past Sunday, throwing 59 pitches across four innings. He allowed a solo home run but also finished with seven strikeouts against just one walk.
Heading into the rehab assignment, Roberts had suggested it was likely Kershaw would only make one start for a Minor League affiliate. That’s unlike Andrew Heaney, who could take the mound upwards of four times before getting activated himself.
Kershaw has been on the IL since May 13 due to right SI joint inflammation. The injury is often referred to sacroiliitis and can cause discomfort in the buttocks or lower back, and extend down one or both legs.
Kershaw declined to provide specifics last month when first discussing his injury, but Roberts revealed the pain was in his lower back. The three-time Cy Young Award winner previously dealt with back trouble during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 seasons.
In some cases he was administered an epidural as part of the recovery process, which Kershaw received again this year. However, it did not provide the usual relief and required the left-hander to briefly stop throwing during a period of rest.
Kershaw threw multiple bullpen sessions in the week leading up to the rehab start for the Quakes.
Should the 34-year-old be activated and start Sunday, it would push Mitch White out of the rotation. White is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in three starts.
Kershaw can give boost to Dodgers rotation
With Walker Buehler and Julio Urías still looking to recapture their dominant forms, Kershaw’s return would be a welcomed — if not needed — addition to the rotation.
He’s 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 32 strikeouts against three walks over five starts this season. Kershaw threw seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs in his final outing before going on the IL.
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