The Los Angeles Dodgers have been plagued by injuries in the first quarter of the 2018 season, which is part of the reason why they have gotten off to such a poor start.
One of the key injuries they have been forced to deal with was to ace Clayton Kershaw, who hasn’t pitched since May 1 due to bicep tendonitis. Luckily, an MRI didn’t reveal a more serious injury or structural damage to his shoulder.
Kershaw has been playing light catch, which has encouraged Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that a return may be just around the corner.
Kershaw confirmed that may be the case, as according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times, Kershaw could be stepping back on a mound in the near future:
Shortly after playing catch before Friday’s rainout at Nationals Park, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw indicated he should test his left arm with a bullpen session “in the next few days.” Kershaw has not pitched in a game since experiencing biceps tendinitis after his outing on May 1.
“I would say now I feel better,” Kershaw said. “It’s just a matter of building back up.”
The Dodgers have been able to manage the loss of Kershaw as Walker Buehler and Ross Stripling have stepped into the rotation and pitched well. But if the team wants to get back into the race to win the National League West, they will need their ace healthy and pitching at the level he is capable of.
Kershaw didn’t get off to the best start to the season, with the injury potentially playing a part in that. In seven starts, he is 1-4 with a 2.86 ERA, 3.71 FIP and 1.14 WHIP. He has struck out 48 compared to 10 walks in 44 innings, which aren’t awful numbers but Kershaw will be the first to admit that is not good enough for him.
It is unclear when Kershaw will be able to return since he may need to make a rehab start or two, but him throwing a bullpen is definitely a step in the right direction.
