The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Clayton Kershaw off from the 10-day injured list and optioned Justin Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Kershaw returns after spending one month on the IL due to right SI joint inflammation. He hoped to only miss the minimum amount of days but an epidural did not provide expected relief, and more rest was needed to overcome the lower back trouble.
Kershaw took a brief break from throwing before building back up from playing catch to getting on the mound for multiple bullpen sessions. That led to a rehab start with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga this past Sunday in which Kershaw went the targeted four innings.
He didn’t suffer any setbacks in the ensuing days and was initially penciled in to be reinstated from the IL on Sunday. However, the Dodgers adjusted to provide Julio Urías with an extra day of rest and keep Kershaw on his regular routine by starting Saturday.
The left-hander went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 0.73 WHIP over five starts before being placed on the IL in May. Kershaw returns as the Dodgers face some uncertainty with Walker Buehler, who left his outing in the series opener after just four innings due to right elbow discomfort.
Buehler was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday, and the fact that he wasn’t put on the IL as the corresponding move to activating Kershaw could be viewed as an encouraging sign.
Bruihl struggling to replicate success
Bruihl made his MLB debut with the Dodgers last year and helped them set a franchise record for most pitchers used in a single season.
The left-hander had an encouraging start to his career after a quick rise through the Minors, but has yet to replicate that this season. Bruihl made the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster and appeared in eight games prior to getting optioned.
The 24-year-old quickly returned and overall this season is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Bruihl allowed three runs on four hits in one inning of work in Friday’s loss to the Giants.
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