Clayton Kershaw is edging closer to rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation.
The three-time National League Cy Young Award winner threw two innings of a simulated game on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. His performance was promising enough that Kershaw is set to pitch in a rehab start on Saturday, likely for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“It was encouraging to see him throw two innings,” stated Dodgers manager Dave Roberts following the throwing session. “We achieved our objectives.”
This upcoming rehab start will be Kershaw’s second since recuperating from surgery to mend his left shoulder capsule and ligaments around the ball-and-socket joint in November. The left-handed pitcher pitched three innings for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on June 19 but experienced lingering soreness afterward and was sidelined.
“Just some old-man shoulder, a bit,” he told the Los Angeles Times’ Jack Harris when questioned last week. “There’s some wear and tear in there. But nothing new.”
Following the rehab start, Kershaw underwent an MRI that revealed no damage in his left shoulder, consulted with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and received “some shots” to alleviate the soreness.
Kershaw, aged 36, started 24 games for the Dodgers last season, his 16th year in MLB, striking out 137 batters in 131 2/3 innings and amassing a 2.46 ERA. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler on the injured list, Dustin May’s season status uncertain, and Tony Gonsolin requiring elbow surgery, Kershaw’s comeback would be a welcomed addition.
Despite holding a 7 1/2-game lead in the National League West, he and the Dodgers can afford to be patient with his recovery timeline. The team maintains that a return in late July or early August was always the goal, indicating that Kershaw is progressing as planned.
Nevertheless, Kershaw appears to be growing weary of the rehabilitation process.
“I won’t be satisfied until I can return to the field,” he expressed to reporters.
“You don’t feel like you’re fulfilling your purpose,” he added. “Even though being out for some time was part of the surgery agreement, being more involved now and getting closer and experiencing a glimpse of being back out there, each day is starting to feel more monotonous.”