More than two weeks have passed since the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder soreness.
That stemmed from Kershaw asking to come out of his June 27 start after pitching six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies. An MRI was not conducted at the time, and Kershaw eventually revealed he was suffering from left shoulder inflammation that was treated with a cortisone injection.
Kershaw hoped to make his next scheduled start, or even have it delayed, but the Dodgers instead decided to place him on the IL with an initial belief he could return immediately after the All-Star break.
Although that didn’t play out, Kershaw threw a bullpen session Tuesday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said went well, via SportsNet LA:
“I talked to Mark Prior about it, and he was very pleased. It was right around 30 pitches, a little above that. He used his entire pitch mix, gave it a good effort and came out of it well. I think for us right now, just to see how he responds [Wednesday] to decide the next step. But certainly a big step in the right direction.”
Roberts added the updated timeline for Kershaw’s return remains around the first week of August:
“I still think it’s going to take a little bit of time. I tentatively mentioned early August, and I think that still stands.”
If Kershaw does not experience any shoulder trouble on Wednesday or ensuing days, he may next throw a second bullpen session or advance to facing batters in a simulated game.
The bullpen session on Tuesday was Kershaw’s first since he began to experience discomfort in his throwing shoulder.
Clayton Kershaw advised to rest shoulder
When recently discussing Roberts’ estimate of not returning until August, Kershaw said he had not felt any pain in his shoulder for multiple days but results from an MRI taken before the All-Star break prompted Dr. Neal ElAttrache to suggest he take more time to rest and heal.
Kershaw otherwise declined to specify what the MRI revealed.
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!
