The Los Angeles Dodgers got closer to full health over the past few days with Corey Seager and Mookie Betts both returning from the injured list, and although Clayton Kershaw was making progress in his recovery, soreness remains somewhat of an issue.
Kershaw faced batters last week at Oracle Park and was scheduled to throw a second simulated game at Camelback Ranch prior to the Dodgers facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in the series finale at Chase Field.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated on Saturday there was some question as to whether or not that would come to be. “There’s still some residual soreness, so if there is going into [Sunday], it’s smart to just push it back,” Roberts said.
“There’s no hard date for him to have to throw. We’re just kind of leaving it in his and the training’s staff hands.”
Roberts noted that the team didn’t consider the soreness a setback for Kershaw and only a matter of throwing three innings. “But if we want to continue to move forward, we would like the soreness to not be an issue,” he added.
Kershaw was still experiencing soreness on Sunday and it limited him to only playing catch.
“At some point soon, when he feels pain-free and strong enough to go out there and pitch in a simulated game, then we’ll get to that point,” Roberts said. “Again, the main thing with Clayton is to get him back so he stays back through the duration of the season and postseason.
“There’s no hard date or deadline right now.”
Patience with Kershaw
Prior to Kershaw experiencing soreness that prevented him from pitching in a second simulated game, the Dodgers had targeted an Aug. 7 return against the L.A. Angels.
Though even with that, Roberts stressed the bigger picture and ensuring he is healthy for the stretch run and postseason.
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