Clayton Kershaw Goes Three Innings in First Minor League Rehab Start

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has made his return to the mound in game action for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments in his left shoulder last November.

Kershaw made his first minor league rehab start on Wednesday for the Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Quakes faced the Inland Empire 66ers, who are the Angels’ Single-A affiliate. He has previously pitched multiple simulated games as he returns from his surgery. He pitched one simulated game from the Quakes’ mound, and another at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw was removed after pitching three innings against the 66ers. He allowed two hits, including a triple in the first inning, followed by a sacrifice fly that led to the only run he allowed. He walked the penultimate batter he faced, then recorded a strikeout — his fifth of the game — to finish the third inning.

In the first inning, Kershaw’s fastball touched 89 mph but by the second he was up to 90 mph.

The start came one day after the 10th anniversary of the lone time Kershaw pitched a no-hitter in his career. The 10-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young award winner has been one of the best in the game throughout his career, and re-signed to remain with the Dodgers this past February.

With the injury to top starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the struggles of Walker Buehler, the Dodgers should be especially excited to see Kershaw on such a strong pace from his rehab. The Dodgers are of course not trying to rush him back, but it is great for the team that he is rehabbing so well. He was initially projected to be back in late July or August, but is already making that first rehab start in mid-June.

When last healthy in 2023, Kershaw went 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 137 strikeouts. His win-loss record ranked 13th, and he was the National League Pitcher of the Month in April.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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