Not long after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Clayton Kershaw his starter for Opening Day, the left-hander was shut down several days due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder.
Roberts maintained Kershaw was still in position to extend his franchise record with a ninth consecutive start on Opening Day. However, as time wore on and Kershaw’s throwing program put him well behind schedule, he was eventually ruled out.
Thus, Kershaw began the season on the 10-day injured list for the first time in his career. He continued to build up with bullpen sessions and simulated games before beginning a rehab assignment.
Now, the three-time Cy Young Award winner is slated to make his regular-season debut against the Cincinnati Reds on Jackie Robinson Day, per David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Clayton Kershaw will make his first start of the season for #Dodgers on Monday vs Reds
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 11, 2019
There was a possibility Kershaw’s return from the IL would take place Sunday in the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. By holding him until Monday, the Dodgers are providing their ace with an extra day of rest.
After a bit of a shaky rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kershaw went six innings in an outing with Double-A Tulsa this past Tuesday. He threw 81 pitches and came away encouraged it was another step in the right direction.
Beyond the anticipation that comes with Kershaw making his 2019 debut is the start will coincide with Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig making their respective returns to Dodger Stadium for the first time since an offseason trade with the Reds.
