Dodgers Injury Update: Clayton Kershaw Takes a ‘Big Step’ Towards Return
Bullpen sessions aren’t always newsworthy, but Clayton Kershaw’s rehabilitation 2.0 is an important story. Kershaw has been on the IL since July 7th with forearm inflammation. His first attempt at a return did not go well.
Kershaw threw his first bullpen in several weeks at PETCO Park on Tuesday and manager Dave Roberts was pleased with the results.
“I got a chance to watch, see it. It was really good. 20 pitches. The delivery looked fluid. Talked to him briefly afterwards. He felt good about it…fastball command. Looked really good.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mho6oXJVRIE?start=238
Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are being much more cautious this time around with Kershaw. Kershaw admitted to trying to come back too fast during his first rehab attempt. Roberts stated that there still are plenty of boxes to check before the southpaw’s return, but Tuesday was a great sign.
“I’m excited. We’re all excited. Clayton was excited to get off the mound, off the slope, and feel good. As we can start using his entire mix, getting up to that 32 pitches, which is his normal bullpen session, with 100% effort, we’ll start getting closer. Today was a big step for all of us.”
Roberts was also asked if Kershaw will be able to start games once he returns to the club. The Dodgers skipper wouldn’t commit to Kershaw re-joining the rotation upon being activated.
“I don’t know to what extent [he’ll be able start]. I don’t want to put the staff or Clayton in any box.”
A fifth starter would be a welcome sight for the short-handed Dodgers rotation. Adding Kershaw back into the mix would also reduce the bullpen workload. Also, it’s Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, not some journeyman scrub.
Taking the slow and steady approach should yield better results for the lefty and the Dodgers.
Whether it’s as a starter or a reliever, the team will need Kershaw down the stretch and in October.
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Dodgers need another starter. Kershaw may or may not make it back this year. The way this year has progressed the Dodgers can’t count on Kershaw until he throws 5-6 innings with a good outcome.
I was impressed by White in his last outing and Jackson showed promise so we know they can pitch and eat innings.
Betts coming back this week will help. I am not holding my breath for Kershaw to come back and be effective. I hope he can but the Dodgers have to plan as if he will not make it.
Bauer is on suspension until the 27th. Does the MLB and Players union move his suspension again? They obviously have more information I am guessing they are waiting to see if the Pasadena DA presses charges and if so what type?
Jackson, White and Kersh available for 4th starter role and push Price back to 5th starter next month when rosters expand in September
Hopefully nobody is seriously thinking about Kershaw out of the bullpen. We’ve all seen how badly that has worked in the past. Just give the guy starts when he is ready. And be ready to revert to a bullpen game, or long relief if he has any issues. We’ve been throwing a lot of bullpen games anyway around Buehler, Sherzer, and Urias. The objective is simple. Bring Kershaw into full form by late September, and October, which aren’t far away. We need him as a starter. Not out of the pen.
Agreed- let’s just say his fastball
doesn’t ‘play’ in that role!
Sure looking forward to seeing #22 back starting again, IF ready ! And since one commenter mentioned it, what is the status of Bauer? Long time and no charges, yet, MLB silent, Dodgers silent, union silent, Bauer silent, investigators silent. Yea, nay, or otherwise make a statement.