After weeks of playing catch and building up to throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games, Clayton Kershaw is on the verge of making a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City as he works to join the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation.
His most recent sim game had Kershaw complete three innings at Dodger Stadium. As such, he’s expected to take a step forward in his progression.
“We envision Clayton going four (innings) and 60 (pitches), with an inning in the ‘pen if it goes the way we hope it does as far as stress and efficiency,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
While Kershaw began the 2019 season on the 10-day injured list, snapping his streak of consecutive Opening Day starts at eight, he’s getting the ball in the season opener for Oklahoma City.
Kershaw last pitched for the affiliate in 2017 after missing over a month. It’s unclear if he will make more than one rehab start this year.
However, should he reach the target set forth by the Dodgers, it’s not beyond reason to believe the 31-year-old would then come off the IL. Kershaw historically is not fond of rehab assignments but he is looking forward to Thursday’s outing. The real-game action will the first this year for the left-hander.
