Dodgers Injury Update: Clayton Kershaw Sim Game, Scott Kazmir’s Return, and More!

The Dodgers have been eyeing Clayton Kershaw very closely since he was place on the 60-day disabled list back on August 3rd. After throwing a few bullpen sessions, the Dodgers finally decided it was time for him to face some live hitters. Thanfully, it appears that he performed well and could be looking at a potential rehab in the near future.

On Tuesday, Dave Roberts told reporters that Kershaw “came out well” of the simulated game. However, don’t expect to see Clayton Kershaw return to the starting rotation soon. Roberts made it clear that Kershaw needs to pitch more before he makes his way to Los Angeles.

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Clayton Kershaw threw two simulated innings, and "came out of it well," Roberts said. Would seem like he needs a rehab outing after this.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) August 30, 2016

Kershaw needs to build up more innings before returning to rotation, Robets said.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 30, 2016

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Andrew Friedman said Kershaw felt great physically.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 30, 2016

Andrew Friedman: "My guess would be next step would be a rehab start." #Kershaw

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 30, 2016

With the lack of starting pitching, Julio Urias is set to make the start on Friday. I’m sure Dodger fans aren’t too crushed about this after he held the Cubs to just 1 run through 6 innings! Don’t get too comfortable with Urias though. Andrew Friedman made it very clear that he will unlikely make starts in October, though the bullpen is not out of the question.

Julio Urias will start on Friday.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) August 30, 2016

Friedman said Urías' innings limit makes it unlikely he'll start through postseason. If/when he goes to 'pen, plan is to keep him there.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 30, 2016

In other starting pitching news, Scott Kazmir, Brett Anderson, and Brandon McCarthy joined Kershaw in the simulated game, but the news does not look too good. Dave Roberts said that Kazmir is the closest to returning, but did not comment on Anderson or McCarthy.

Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson and Scott Kazmir all threw sim games today too. Kazmir is the closest of the three, Roberts said.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 30, 2016

Starting pitching was the number one concern for a long time; however, it seems like that has been taken care of as of late. Rich Hill has proven to be a valuable asset after his start against San Franscisco.

Along with Hill, Kenta Maeda continues to pitch well, and the rookies Stripling, Urias, and now Stewart have really helped keep the team afloat. The addition of a healthy Kershaw, Kazmir, McCarthy, and Anderson will only make this team even better!

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