The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Victor González to Triple-A Oklahoma City and reinstated Clayton Kershaw from the 15-day injured list prior to Thursday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
Kershaw returns to start in the series finale at Dodger Stadium. The outing is his first since June 27, which also came against the Rockies, but at Coors Field.
Kershaw allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings before asking to be removed due to what he later deemed left shoulder inflammation that was treated with a cortisone injection. Although the 35-year-old hoped to remain on the active roster, the Dodgers decided to place Kershaw on the IL on July 3 (retroactive to June 30).
The hope was he would return immediately after the All-Star break but that was ruled out after Kershaw underwent an MRI on his left shoulder and Dr. Neal ElAttrache recommended more time to rest and recover.
Kershaw went multiple weeks without feeling any discomfort but nevertheless was cautiously ushered along a conservative throwing program. That culminated with pitching in a second simulated game that saw him stretch out to four innings.
Although manager Dave Roberts viewed the initial time off as beneficial for the veteran, Kershaw wasn’t nearly as convinced and expressed frustration with being on the IL. The Dodgers went 22-12 in his absence despite their starting pitchers yielding a 5.30 ERA and 1.40 WHIP during that span.
Victor González has brief stay with Dodgers
González heads back to the Minors two days after getting recalled. He replaced Bryan Hudson on the roster, as the fellow left-handed relief pitcher was optioned to Oklahoma City.
González did not appear in a game during what was his third stint with the Dodgers. Overall this season, he’s 2-3 with a 5.32 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 25 games (one start) for L.A.
With Oklahoma City, González has gone 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 17.1 innings across 17 games.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
