Injury Updates: Clayton Kershaw takes ‘big step’ throwing off mound
by Rowan Kavner
Clayton Kershaw took his biggest leap this month in his road to recovery, throwing 20 pitches off a mound Tuesday at Petco Park.
Earlier this month, the veteran left-hander said he tried to come back too quickly in his throwing progression after going on the injured list July 7. He was shut down after dealing with soreness in his elbow following a sim game at the end of July before starting to play catch again.
He returned to the mound for the first time Tuesday, focusing on fastball command.
“I got a chance to watch it, see it,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It was really good, 20 pitches. The delivery looked fluid. Talked to him just briefly afterward, he felt pretty good about it. I’d say right now it’s catch play tomorrow, see how it responds, and we’ll do another pen where we can start spinning the baseball a little bit.”
The plan remains for Kershaw to return at some point in September, though what that role will be remains to be seen. Kershaw hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3, so Roberts said he’s not sure how stretched out the left-hander can get before the end of the regular season.
“We still have time on the schedule, but I don’t want to put the staff or Clayton in any box,” Roberts said. “For us, each day, let’s improve, let’s get stronger, let’s build up the arm. Where that gets us, whenever that takes place, we’ll see what role makes the most sense. I do know that Clayton first and foremost wants to be healthy, and he’s open to whatever will help the team at that point.”
Kershaw said earlier this month he was frustrated not getting to be part of the stretch run, particularly with all the additions the Dodgers made at the deadline, but Roberts said he’s excited to see the progress Kershaw is making and to know how Kershaw felt after his bullpen session Tuesday.
The next step will be adding breaking balls to his pen in a few days. Kershaw is 9–7 with a 3.39 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 127 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings this year.
“As we can start using his entire mix, getting up to that 32-pitch which is his normal bullpen session with 100 percent effort, we’ll start kind of getting closer,” Roberts said. “But today was a big step for all of us.”
Betts, Kelly Close
The Dodgers received more good news on the injury front to start the week when Betts hit “a couple homers” during his simulated game Monday, according to Roberts.
Betts is set to take part in more simulated action Wednesday with the hope of being activated Thursday in San Diego. The pain in the outfielder’s bothersome right hip caused by a bone spur has subsided since he received a cortisone shot.
“He’s in a really good spot, as good as he’s been in all year,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers are also expecting reliever Joe Kelly to be activated from the injured list Wednesday.
