Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw faced live hitters for the first time since being placed on the 10-day disabled list last month with a lower back strain. He pitched to Joc Pederson, Rob Segedin and Chase Utley, throwing 38 pitches over two innings.
“Execution wasn’t where Clayton might have wanted it to be,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “But he came out of it feeling good about things. We settled on two innings, up and down, and kind of finished with a win. He was probably lobbying for a third, but two is good.”
Roberts indicated Kershaw would next throw another simulated game or go on a rehab assignment. Kershaw later confirmed he’s scheduled for a three-inning sim game on Monday.
“Everything is great. I feel good,” Kershaw said. Assuming he’s able to get through that throwing session without any setback or trouble, a return could come by month’s end.
In keeping on a traditional schedule, Kershaw could start as early as Saturday, Aug. 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Should that come to fruition, the three-time Cy Young Award winner would have missed essentially five weeks.
Kershaw was sidelined 10 weeks last season due to a mild herniated disc. Though, an aggressive attempt at a return led to a setback and longer recovery period.
Including his injury-shortened start, the Dodgers have gone 18-3 without their ace. They lead the National League West by a franchise-best 18.5 games, and are 11.5 games ahead of the Houston Astros for best overall record.
