The timetable for Clayton Kershaw’s return from a mild disc herniation remains unclear, but Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman provided some clarity on what the immediate future holds.
Since receiving an epidural injection in his back, Kershaw has begun a five-step program set forth by Dr. Robert Watkins, the Dodgers’ back specialist, Friedman said on Sunday. “Everything that has happened in the three or four days since the epidural has been extremely positive,” he added.
The rehab program Kershaw needs to complete focuses on core-strengthening activities, with a buildup to the left-handed ace throwing. “At some point in that is where you can start throwing. Obviously, that will be a big first step,” Friedman said.
“As soon as we can get there in a responsible way, we’ll do it. That’ll obviously be a significant step in his journey to getting back.” Kershaw previously reported feeling relief in his lower back shortly after receiving the injection.
Both him and Friedman reiterated surgery will not be required. “We’ll continue to bite off three- and four-day chunks at a time and see where we’re at,” Friedman said. In the time since it became evident the Dodgers would be without Kershaw for the foreseeable future, the club has put together their current four-game winning streak.
What’s more, the starting pitchers during that stretch — Kenta Maeda, Bud Norris, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy — have combined to allow just one run and have 32 strikeouts over 23 innings pitched.
