Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Clayton Kershaw cleared a hurdle toward returning from the 15-day injured list earlier this week as he threw his first bullpen session.
It included about 30 pitches while using his entire arsenal, which went well, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. That cleared the way for Kershaw to begin ramping up even more with a “more aggressive” bullpen session on Friday.
Having completed that, Kershaw is now set to take another step forward, which Roberts said is facing batters in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Monday, via SportsNet LA:
“I talked to Mark (Prior) and Thomas (Albert), they said it went well. It was upwards of 40 pitches and a really good, competitive ‘pen. I think the next step is for him to throw a live, simulated three-inning situation with our guys on Monday.”
Depending on how Kershaw does in the simulated game, the Dodgers will then determine what is to follow:
“I think we’re going to leave it open. So we get through that first hurdle of the sim game, and see how Clayton feels. I think after that we’ll know how to navigate.”
Kershaw has been on the IL since July 3, which was backdated to June 30. His shoulder soreness began on June 27 in a start against the Colorado Rockies and led to him leaving the game after just 79 pitches.
There was optimism Kershaw would return immediately following the All-Star break, but after an MRI, that was delayed until the first week of August after Dr. Neal ElAttrache recommended rest for him.
Kershaw previously dealt with shoulder trouble in his career in 2014 when he landed on the IL because of a strain.
Kershaw also missed his Opening Day start in 2019 due to left shoulder inflammation, but his stint on the IL was short as the Dodgers activated him just over two weeks later.
Clayton Kershaw reflected on 2020 World Series
The 2020 calendar will go down in history as one of the most notorious in memory, and that’s no different for the MLB season that ultimately saw the Dodgers crowned World Series champions.
While it was an accomplishment to be proud of, Kershaw’s first and only experience winning a World Series was different than that of other players, which he reflected on as the Dodgers returned to Globe Life Field this weekend.
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