Dodgers News: Kershaw Starts Long Toss; Grandal Back Behind the Plate

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to roll through the opposition even though they have lost the ace of their entire pitching staff, Clayton Kershaw.

There was originally rumors that Kershaw would be sidelined over a month, and he would not be allowed to pick up a baseball until he showed no signs of the back injury that forced him to leave his start on July 23rd against the Atlanta Braves. In classic Clayton Kershaw fashion, he was picking up a baseball just days after the injury, ready to rehab and get back to the team as fast as he could.

Ken Gurnick of MLB reported that Kershaw was throwing long toss today, the way he would before he makes a start. He could be closer to returning than we think.

Kershaw must be feeling well. He's firing long toss, the way he does before a start or bullpen session.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 8, 2017

And he was doing it outside, in the Arizona heat. According to Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA, 400 degree heat.

Clayton Kershaw playing catch at Chase Field with Bullpen Catcher, Rob Flippo. It's 400 degrees outside.

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 8, 2017

On another injury front, Yasmani Grandal returns to the Dodger lineup on Tuesday night. He left Saturday’s game against the Mets and was on the bench for Sunday’s game due to back spasms.

Grandal (back spasms) returns behind the plate.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 8, 2017

If the injury was serious at all, Grandal would have been put on the disabled list with Austin Barnes and Kyle Farmer at the ready to fill in.