Clayton Kershaw is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list Sunday, and though he won’t yet be active, the Los Angeles Dodgers may be only one week away from welcoming him back.
After throwing multiple bullpen sessions and twice facing batters in a simulated game setting, Kershaw is scheduled to pitch Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City on a rehab assignment. “That’s probably going to be a three-inning situation,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Roberts previously suggested that any potential rehab assignment for Kershaw would likely consist of just one outing, health permitting.
Kershaw last pitched for the Dodgers on July 3 and was placed on the 10-day IL four days later due to left forearm inflammation. An MRI did not reveal any structural damage and the injury instead was only elbow soreness.
The 33-year-old attempted to navigate a comeback at the end of July but dealt with residual soreness after facing batters at Oracle Park. Kershaw was subsequently shut down before being cleared to resume playing catch and going through the buildup process for a second time.
“Basically, I just tried to come back too fast, which is a bummer,” Kershaw said last month. “After the sim game it really didn’t respond well. It’s frustrating, it’s still nothing serious, but it’s just something that’s going to take a little bit of time. It’s no fun. Being hurt is miserable. I really don’t enjoy it at all.
“Especially with what’s going on here, the guys we have coming in, this stretch run, I want to be a part of it so bad.”
Kershaw more recently said he has been encouraged by being able to clear various checkpoints and is optimistic of the likelihood he’ll get a chance to make an impact for the team.
What will Kershaw’s role be?
Kershaw and the Dodgers have both made it clear the priority is for the left-hander to get fully healthy. After that, Kershaw has a preference to return as a member of the starting rotation but expressed a willingness to pitch in any capacity the team needs — or calendar allows.
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