Clayton Kershaw was an early arrival to 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training due to his expected participation in the World Baseball Classic, but after withdrawing from the Team USA roster, the left-hander took a step back in his throwing progression.
Kershaw resumed throwing over the weekend with a bullpen session that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said went well.
“He said he felt good, and it was a really good ‘pen,” Roberts said. “I think right now he’s going to be on his five-day routine as far as ‘pens, sides and throwing. Really good.”
The next step for Kershaw was throwing live batting practice, with Will Smith and Mookie Betts among those to step into the batter’s box on a backfield at Camelback Ranch. Smith ended one of his at-bats with a ball down the third-base line.
After completing the throwing session, Kershaw conversed with Betts to get feedback on his pitches.
The Dodgers have not yet revealed if Kershaw will face hitters during a workout for a second time, or advance to starting in a Cactus League game.
More importantly for Kershaw is he’s healthy. The 34-year-old twice went on the injured list last season because of lower back trouble, and maintaining a strong core remains an ongoing work in progress.
Kershaw said his withdrawal from the 2023 WBC was not due to health, though it’s believed he was unable to obtain the necessary insurance policy to participate due to a long injury history.
Clayton Kershaw hosted youth camp
Kershaw hosted the third annual “Camp Kersh: Pitching For Purpose” earlier this week, which was free and open to players of all ages and skill levels.
Proceeds from the event benefitted Kershaw’s Challenge, which was established by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011.
Beneficiaries of the foundation are Behind Every Door and Shoes that Fit in Dallas, Los Angeles Dream Center, Shoes That Fit, Arise Africa and Both Ends Believing in Zambia, and International Justice Mission and Both Ends Believing in the Dominican Republic.
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