Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Throws Another Successful Bullpen

The first place Dodgers continue to thrive in every category but starting pithing; however, hopefully that will change soon. Clayton Kershaw threw a bullpen session on Saturday the 20th and said that he felt “100 percent”. This is great news because he is currently sitting on the 60-day disabled list with a back injury and no expected return date. More good news came on Tuesday after his second successful bullpen session.

Kershaw threw an estimated 50 pitches in his latest bullpen session and felt good afterwards. The future, however, is still unclear. The MVP did not seem extremely confident when asked about his return, emphasizing that he needs to face live hitters first. The soonest he can return to the club is August 27th, but that is looking unlikely. According to Dave Roberts, his next step will be to throw a 60-pitch bullpen session.

Kershaw completes bullpen session, roughly 50 pitches, including breaking balls.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 23, 2016

Clayton Kershaw said his back felt better than expected after a two-inning bullpen. He was not sure his next step, but he's getting closer.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) August 23, 2016

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Kershaw, asked if he has any doubt if he'll be back this year: "That's such a hard question.. I need to face hitters." Expects 1 rehab start

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 23, 2016

Dave Roberts said next step for Kershaw will be a 60 pitch bullpen session in a couple days. #Dodgers

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 23, 2016

Before Kershaw was placed on the disabled list, his numbers were some of the best of his career. In 16 starts, he was 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP.

[graphiq id=”5tN2GmGKVud” title=”Clayton Kershaw 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”815″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/5tN2GmGKVud” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/8619/Clayton-Kershaw” link_text=”Clayton Kershaw 2016 Complete Pitching Splits | PointAfter” ]

The Dodgers are currently struggling to establish a set rotation, utilizing Ross Stripling and Julio Urias quite a bit. With the announcement that Ryu is out for the season and Anderson’s shaky starts, it is imperative that a healthy Clayton Kershaw returns. Hopefully he will be back in time for a couple of starts to warm up before the postseason begins!

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