Clayton Kershaw cleared a hurdle toward returning from the 15-day injured list earlier this week as he threw his first bullpen session.
It included about 30 pitches while using his entire arsenal, which went well, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. That cleared the way for Kershaw to begin ramping up even more with a “more aggressive” bullpen session on Friday.
Having completed that, Kershaw was set to take another step forward, which Roberts originally said would be facing batters in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Then Roberts said Kershaw would instead throw an up-down bullpen session, with pitching against hitters to follow later in the week.
However, Kershaw’s throwing program has been delayed altogether, but Roberts explained it’s due to scheduling rather than a setback, via SportsNet LA
“I know I kind of spoke on Clayton as far as potential for the upcoming days. Right now, I was talking to Thomas, and we’re going to push back the ‘pen. Nothing unforeseen came up, but just kind of the timing of the schedule and potential with where we lock him in, with how things are going with off days, we’re going to push it back. So it’ll be a ‘pen and a live. I just don’t know when that ‘pen is going to happen. Symptomatically, Clayton is in a great spot. No pain, no setback.”
Kershaw has been on the IL since July 3, which was backdated to June 30. His shoulder soreness began on June 27 in a start against the Colorado Rockies and led to him leaving the game after just 79 pitches.
There was optimism Kershaw would return immediately following the All-Star break, but after an MRI, that was delayed until the first week of August after Dr. Neal ElAttrache recommended rest for him.
Kershaw previously dealt with shoulder trouble in his career in 2014 when he landed on the IL because of a strain.
Kershaw also missed his Opening Day start in 2019 due to left shoulder inflammation, but his stint on the IL was short as the Dodgers activated him just over two weeks later.
Clayton Kershaw reflected on 2020 World Series
The 2020 calendar will go down in history as one of the most notorious in memory, and that’s no different for the MLB season that ultimately saw the Dodgers crowned World Series champions.
While it was an accomplishment to be proud of, Kershaw’s first and only experience winning a World Series was different than that of other players, which he reflected on as the Dodgers returned to Globe Life Field this weekend.
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