The Los Angeles Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw listed as the probable starter for Friday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch. The start would represent Kershaw’s 2023 Cactus League debut.
He was among the players who reported to Spring Training early due to expected participation in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but the left-hander wound up withdrawing from the Team USA roster due to a reported inability to secure necessary insurance coverage.
With Kershaw no longer playing in the international tournament, his throwing progression was scaled back some. The 34-year-old was among the last pitchers in camp to face hitters in live batting practice, and his first time seeing an opponent came earlier this week in a B game against the Chicago White Sox.
Kershaw threw three innings against players from the White Sox organization and overall was generally pleased with the outing.
Despite the slower buildup, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Kershaw have insisted health is not an issue this spring. He twice dealt with lower back trouble last season and had his 2021 campaign end early due to a significant left elbow injury.
Kershaw presumably will target four or five innings in his 2023 Cactus League debut against the Angels.
Should he remain on a five-day schedule for the rest of Spring Training, it would keep Kershaw in line to start the Dodgers’ second game of the regular season.
Adam Wainwright disappointed to not play with Clayton Kershaw in WBC
Along with Kershaw expressing frustration over the process players must go through in order to participate in the World Baseball Classic, longtime St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright shared his disappointment with missing out on the opportunity to be teammates.
Wainwright is scheduled to start the first game for Team USA, which presumably would have been made by Kershaw if he was still part of the roster.
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