Clayton Kershaw cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday as he threw his first bullpen session since being placed on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder soreness.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed the left-hander threw roughly 30 pitches and used his entire arsenal. While the three-time Cy Young Award has made progress in his recovery, he still isn’t expected to return until around the first week of August.
Roberts said the next step for Kershaw is to throw a longer bullpen session on Friday and then potentially face hitters next week, via SportsNet LA:
“He came out of it well. So the thought is on Friday, he’ll throw a more aggressive bullpen. Whether that means an up-down, or more pitches, whatever. And if that goes well, then the next progression would probably be facing some hitters.”
More than two weeks have passed since the Dodgers placed Kershaw on the 15-day IL. That stemmed from the 35-year-old asking to come out of his June 27 start after pitching six scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies.
An MRI was not conducted at the time, but Kershaw eventually had one before the All-Star break. The initial belief was that Kershaw could immediately return at the start of the second half, but Dr. Neal ElAttrache suggested he take more time to let his left shoulder rest and heal.
Kershaw otherwise declined to specify what the MRI revealed. He previously was treated with a cortisone injection that remedied past instances of shoulder inflammation.
Clayton Kershaw missing Texas homecoming
As Kershaw works his way back to the mound, the Dodgers rotation for the time being figures to consist of Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan and Michael Grove. Though, Grove could be utilized after an opener or as part of a more traditional bullpen game.
Because Kershaw remains on the IL, he is missing an opportunity this weekend to pitch against his hometown Texas Rangers. Kershaw’s shoulder injury is also preventing him from a rematch with former teammate Corey Seager, who hit a home run in their matchup during Spring Training.
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