Dodgers News: Kemp A Possibility For Friday, Kershaw Out 2-3 Weeks

Kershaw was on the mound for the Dodgers’ opening game in Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks and earned the win before returning to the United States and reaching the disabled list with some inflammation in his back. Kemp has spent the off-season recovering from ankle surgery and is waiting to make his debut.

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Kemp will likely join the Dodgers this weekend:

Kemp still possible to play Friday, Don Mattingly said.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 1, 2014

Kemp has suffered through two injury-plagued seasons since his National League MVP runner-up finish in 2011, but is looking to get back and give the Dodgers another dangerous bat in the middle of their lineup. Kershaw has not thrown since being placed on the disabled list and will be placed on a throwing program that will take him out for some time via the Dodgers official Twitter account:

Clayton Kershaw will be placed on a rehab that includes a submaximal throwing program for the next 2-3 weeks before being reevaluated again.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 1, 2014

The reigning Cy Young award winner was initially thought to miss just one start, but it seems as if the injury is a little more serious than that. Hyun-Jin Ryu assumed his duty as the starter in San Diego and will also throw in the Dodgers’ home opener on Friday.

Kemp’s return is imminent, while Kershaw’s is now unknown because of the judgement on severity. According to Ryan Walton of the Valley Bay News, one of the players will need to play in a rehab game:

Clayton Kershaw will need a rehab before coming back from the DL but Mattingly said Matt Kemp will not. That means Kemp is back this weekend

— Ryan Walton (@RyanWaltonVBN) April 1, 2014

Kershaw joins Josh Beckett as another starter that will need a start in the minors before returning to the big league club. Until then, the Dodgers will use Ryu, Zack Greinke, Dan Haren and Paul Maholm in their rotation. Depending on the recovery time, the Dodgers may need to bring up a pitcher, but that is still unnecessary at this point.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw To Miss US Opener With Back Injury