Dodgers News: Kershaw To Get Root Canal, Ryu Successfully Plays Catch

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a scare back in Spring Training when Clayton Kershaw was struck on his face by a comebacker. Fortunately for the reigning National League MVP and the Dodgers, Kershaw broke Andy Parrino’s bat and that resulted in the ball being more of a soft line drive.

Kershaw remained in the game, underwent some dental work later that night and didn’t miss a beat. Nearly three weeks later, Kershaw is scheduled for a root canal, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

Kershaw having root canal Monday.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 8, 2015

Prior to undergoing more dental work, Kershaw is scheduled to start Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Chase Field. He isn’t expected to miss any time as a result of the root canal. As for Hyun-Jin Ryu, he began throwing Tuesday and didn’t suffer any setbacks, reports J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:

Hyun-Jin Ryu reported no issues after throwing yesterday. #Dodgers

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 8, 2015

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly classified Ryu’s throwing as ‘submaximal’ and again has reiterated the club won’t rush his recovery. The Dodgers schedule sets up for them only needing a fifth starter twice this month.

In the first instance, the Dodgers could look to the Minors, where they’ve stockpiled plenty of arms who were with them during Spring Training. Mattingly mentioned the possibility of relying on a bullpen game for second start.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly Discusses Catching Situation