After failing to land Justin Verlander and Eduardo Rodriguez, the Los Angeles Dodgers can take solace in the return of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
Kershaw took a step closer to returning to the Dodgers’ starting rotation with four innings in a simulated game on Thursday.
Kershaw was placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 4 with left shoulder soreness.
According to the LA Times on July 4, manager Dave Roberts said, “It went really well. He went four innings and used his whole pitch mix,” Roberts said, adding, “The next step is the bullpen. That’s what he usually does after a start, and at some point next week I’ll see him pitch for the Dodgers. I’m excited.”
“I think it’s a lot better than the last simulation game. I think the fastball is alive. My slider is good. My curveball, which wasn’t as sharp, is much better.”
The earliest Kershaw could return is Sept. 9, the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Walker Buehler, who underwent a second Tommy John surgery last August, will begin a minor league rehabilitation program soon.메이저사이트
Most starters returning from surgery need to build enough arm strength to throw at least five innings before returning.
“The best-case scenario is that he starts and rehabs,” Roberts said.