Dodgers Injury Update: Kershaw To Throw In Bullpen, Then Look At Next Step
It’s been a long, but steady recovery for Kershaw, who was placed on a submaximal throwing program by the Dodgers. The ace of the Dodgers’ pitching staff slowly began to increase the amount of intensity in his bullpen sessions before going full effort in a simulated game.
Throughout his recovery, Kershaw managed to make progress without suffering any setbacks, which applies to his rehab start. According to Anthony Witrado of ESPN LA, Kershaw will throw in the bullpen on Monday and it will then be decided if another rehab start will be necessary:
Clayton Kershaw throwing bullpen Monday, then decision will be made if he will be activated or if another rehab start is necessary.
— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) April 26, 2014
Prior to Friday, Manager Don Mattingly indicated Kershaw would likely make more than one rehab start but naturally, Kershaw’s desire is to next take the mound at the big league level, reports Witrado:
As was said last night, the Dodgers aren't ruling out Kershaw's next start being in the big leagues, which is what Kershaw wants.
— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) April 26, 2014
While Kershaw may be in favor of toeing the rubber in an MLB stadium, the Dodgers training staff may not quite be on board, according to Witrado:
It will take some convincing as training staff wouldn't mind him making one more rehab start. Mattingly is on board w/whatever trainers want
— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) April 26, 2014
Given Kershaw’s competitive nature and the fact that he looked sharp on Friday, there could be a tug of war that takes place. The Dodgers would undeniably benefit from Kershaw’s return and it would likely bump Paul Maholm, who is Saturday’s starter and has struggled, out of the starting rotation.
However, considering there was some concern the injury could linger and potentially keep the reigning Cy Young Award winner out until June, now is no time to allow Kershaw to potentially rush himself back.
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