The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has been a strong point for the team through much of the first half, benefitting from an emphasis on offseason additions.
But the group has struggled in recent weeks amid mounting injuries and inconsistent performances. The Dodgers are hopeful to receive some help in the form of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, both of whom are currently on the injured list.
Kershaw was making good progress in his recovery from left shoulder surgery but needed to pause the process after beginning a rehab assignment. He’s since gotten back on track and is poised for a return to game action.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, Kershaw is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday:
Left-hander Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to resume his minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. Kershaw is expected to pitch three innings.
The Oklahoma City Baseball Club is facing Triple-A El Paso (San Diego Padres) affiliate at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Kershaw’s scheduled start.
The planned three innings are equal to that from Kershaw’s first rehab start with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga last month. That was followed by lingering shoulder soreness that was treated with pain-killing injections and a brief stretch of being shut down from throwing.
Kershaw resumed a throwing program and successfully cleared hurdles of a bullpen session and facing batters in a simulated game.
Kershaw’s minor setback should have a minimal effect the timeline for his return. While the Dodgers have stayed away from giving a date for Kershaw’s return, he was always expected to come off the injured list after the All-Star break, and that remains a likely outcome barring further trouble.
Clayton Kershaw’s first rehab start
Kershaw threw 36 pitches over three innings, allowed one run on two hits and finished with five strikeouts against one walk in his start for the Quakes.
Including Saturday, he figures to make at least two more rehab starts before potentially joining the Dodgers rotation.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
