The Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday transferred Clayton Kershaw to the 60-day disabled list. Now the earliest date the left-handed ace can be reinstated is Aug. 27, which doesn’t have much impact, if any, on a potential return.
Kershaw last pitched June 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Wednesday’s paper move was to reinstate Josh Ravin from the restricted list and optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ravin was suspended in early May for a positive PED test.
After landing on the 15-day DL with the mild disc herniation, Kershaw made significant progress with his recovery and advanced to throwing a simulated game July 16.
The four innings of work at Dodger Stadium were met with back pain, which shut Kershaw’s recovery down. He’s yet to pick up a baseball since that point and is limited to core and back strengthening exercises.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said he was hopeful Kershaw would resume baseball activities in the near future. A timeline for his return is not in place.
Kershaw this season is 11-2 1.79 ERA, 217 ERA+, 1.65 FIP and 0.73 WHIP. If not for the back injury he likely would’ve won a fourth National League Cy Young Award and remained in the discussion for a second NL MVP.
The Dodgers moved to bolster their starting rotation at the non-waiver deadline by acquiring Rich Hill in a five-player trade with the Oakland Athletics. Hill is currently on the DL with a blister issue but may return by the weekend.
