Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw’s Next Step, Joc Pederson Rehab Assignment and More

The Los Angeles Dodgers received good news Thursday regarding key players returning back from injury. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw played catch at Dodger Stadium on Thursday as he continues to rehab from a back injury.

Fans are hoping Kershaw will return after the Dodgers road trip. However, it’s unclear if Kershaw will travel with the team to Arizona, Washington or St. Louis.

LIVE on #Periscope: Kershaw playing catch https://t.co/97kq1JBB6N

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

Kershaw had a bullpen session on Wednesday where he through “upwards of 60 pitches”, according to manager Dave Roberts. Kershaw has an idea of when his return date will be, but is hesitant to reveal it. However, the Dodgers are encouraged by his progress.

Kershaw could be throwing to hitters Sunday as next step, Roberts says.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

Teammate Brett Anderson will follow Kershaw’s lead as he continues to work his way back to the rotation. Alex Wood (elbow) also continues to make progress.

Alex Wood was in Arizona this week to face some hitters, Roberts says. "Sooner than later" for a rehab assignment.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

As for Joc Pederson, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, he is headed to Oklahoma City to join the OKC Dodgers.

Joc Pederson on his way to do rehab assignment with @okc_dodgers. Could be activated as soon as Tuesday.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

Joc Pederson is joining OKC #Dodgers for rehab assignment. Plan is to activate him Tuesday when series in Washington starts

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 15, 2016

Pederson could join the team on the road prior to the Washington and St. Louis series.

In other injury updates, Andre Ethier has an August 2nd return date set, and underwent another bone scan in order to determine the next steps. It’s unclear when he will continue baseball activities.

Andre Ethier scheduled for bone scan today, Roberts says. Will determine next step for Ethier.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

Andre Ethier still projected to return in early-to-mid-August.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) July 9, 2016

As for pitcher Yimi Garcia, according to Roberts he won’t need as long of a rehab assignment.

Yimi Garcia is getting close and won't need as long a rehab assignment because he's a reliever, says Roberts.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016

Yimi Garcia has thrown to hitters, up to 93 mph.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 15, 2016

The Dodgers hope to get key players back from injury as they begin the second half of the MLB season. The Boys in Blue look to make headway in the NL West as they find themselves 6.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants.

#Dodgers NL West Standings as of 7.14.16 #Giants have a 3-game series coming up vs. the #Padres. pic.twitter.com/QfCTbsESbY

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 15, 2016

The Dodgers will head to Arizona for a 3-game series on Friday vs. the Diamondbacks, while the Giants will begin a 3-game series vs. the San Diego Padres.

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