Clayton Kershaw was slow in the initial recovery from right SI joint inflammation but took a significant step toward rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation by throwing a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Monday.
It was Kershaw’s first time getting off a mound since he was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13. He threw 38 pitches and used the fastball, curveball and slider.
“He was outstanding,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Kershaw. “He might argue him being outstanding, but he used his entire pitch mix. It’s going to another ‘pen here in two or three days, and then I think the next thing after that if all goes well, he’s going to go out on assignment.”
Kershaw and Roberts both projected a return from the IL once eligible, but an epidural did not provide immediate relief. That led to a previously scheduled bullpen session getting canceled and Kershaw spent time in Dallas while the Dodgers were on their road trip.
He met the team in Arizona this past weekend and said time off to rest and recover had proven beneficial.
Kershaw previously dealt with back injuries during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 seasons. Last year he twice suffered from left forearm/elbow inflammation, with the second instance preventing him from pitching in the postseason.
Kershaw went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 32 strikeouts against three walks over five starts thus far. He threw seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs in his final outing before going on the IL.
Potential Kershaw timeline for return
The Dodgers have not committed to a set schedule for the 34-year-old, but he figures to be an estimated two or three weeks away. That could fluctuate if Kershaw has a shorter rehab assignment or if multiple starts are needed.
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