Clayton Kershaw has been on the 10-day injured list since May 13 due to right SI joint inflammation, but he finally returned to the mound this past Sunday in a rehab start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
The left-hander threw 59 pitches across four innings, allowing a solo home run but also finishing with seven strikeouts against just one walk.
Heading into the rehab assignment, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had suggested it was likely Kershaw would only make one start for a Minor League affiliate.
After a successful outing in which he experienced no setbacks, the three-time Cy Young Award winner believes he is ready rejoin the Dodgers starting rotation, via SportsNet LA:
“I bounced back alright, which honestly was the biggest thing. It was just to make sure I bounce back. It’s been two days now, and I feel pretty good. Had to deal with a light too, which was a good test. Bounced back alright, which is what I was kind of most nervous about. Rehab start went fine. Got some things to work on obviously, but overall, I think to get through four innings is good. I think I’m ready to go.”
The Dodgers expect to activate Kershaw off the IL for their weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, with Roberts initially indicating the finale at Oracle Park was the earliest return date, but then moving that to Saturday.
Kershaw was in the midst of a dominant start to the 2022 season before being sidelined, going 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 2.27 FIP and 0.73 WHP over 30 innings pitched (five games).
Kershaw details back injury
When Kershaw first sustained his back injury last month Kershaw, he initially declined to provide specifics. However, Kershaw recently revealed he began to experience back pain on the Dodgers’ flight back from a road trip.
Kershaw went multiple weeks without being able to throw off a mound before completing two bullpen sessions leading into the rehab start for the Quakes.
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