WATCH: Dodgers Ace Clayton Kershaw Throws His First Bullpen Session of Spring
There’s a buzz in the air, Dodgers fans! An excitement… and an honest sense of relief. Your world champion ballclub is back to work at Camelback Ranch and intent on looking to repeat in 2021.
Sure, the buzz in the air has been apparent since Wednesday as pitchers and catchers started to trickle in at the Dodgers’ spring complex in Glendale, Arizona. But on Saturday, the buzz got a lot louder.
For the first time since game 5 of the World Series, Clayton Kershaw was back on the mound and throwing in Dodger blue.
First bullpen of the year for Kersh. pic.twitter.com/CBCGxXKqmH
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 20, 2021
By all accounts, everything went as planned for the three-time Cy Young award winner. World champion manager Dave Roberts talked about his ace on Saturday.
[Clayton] threw a ‘pen today. I think his standard 34 pitch — he’s got it pretty much down to a science — he used all his pitch mix. It was good. I think a great first day. He felt good coming out of it, to get him back in the rhythm is a good thing.
Doc notes that Kersh will get a couple days off and throw again on Tuesday as the team ramps up workouts heading toward a 29 game slate of Cactus League exhibitions starting next Sunday.
Dave Roberts Talks Kershaw’s First Bullpen, Spring Training Changes in 2021, DH Expectation
Notes and Updates
Right-handers Mitch White and Joe Kelly remained sidelined on Saturday, each dealing with soreness in their throwing arms. Dave Roberts said that he isn’t concerned.
For the second straight day, Doc mentioned “missing the energy” of Dodger fans in the complex at spring training.
Position players are set to report on Sunday with the first full-squad workouts of spring set for Monday.
NEXT: Fans in the Stands By Opening Day? Stan Kasten Hopes it Could Happen!