The Dodgers open a nine-game road trip on Friday against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix, and there is a good chance they could see both Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson return to the club on the trip
Manager Dave Roberts met with reporters on Thursday at Dodger Stadium, providing an update on several of the Dodgers on the mend. First and foremost among that group, understandably, is Kershaw, who is sidelined with a mild disc herniation in his back and last started for the Dodgers on June 26.
Kershaw through a bullpen session Wednesday "upwards of 60 pitches," Dave Roberts just said. "We're just really encouraged."
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016
Kershaw won't be a part of the Dodgers' starting rotation the first time through after the break, with Bud Norris, Brandon McCarthy and Kenta Maeda set to start this weekend at Chase Field, followed by Scott Kazmir and Hyun-jin Ryu in the first two games in Washington next Tuesday and Wednesday.
But after that, it sounds as if Kershaw is being considered for a return to the rotation.
Kershaw could be throwing to hitters Sunday as next step, Roberts says.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016
Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw will prob throw to hitters in a sim game Sunday. Either AZ or LA
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 15, 2016
Rotation set for one time through without Kershaw. Conceivably return late on trip or early on homestand.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 15, 2016
Dave Roberts said "it's unlikely" Clayton Kershaw will go on a rehab assignment before coming off DL. "I don't think he feels he needs one"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 15, 2016
Dodgers starting pitchers have averaged 5.11 innings per start in the 19 games since Kershaw's last start, with a 5.01 ERA.
Whether Kershaw returns next week, or even perhaps the next time through the rotation when the Dodgers return home, the All-Star break has afforded the club a break in that Kershaw might end up only missing three or four starts, which seems remarkable given the early fears once his back injury sprung up.
It seems Pederson will beat Kershaw back to the Dodgers, perhaps to open the series against the Nationals. Pederson sprained his AC joint in his right shoulder crashing into the center field wall while making a spectacular catch in Milwaukee on June 28.
Joc Pederson on his way to do rehab assignment with @okc_dodgers. Could be activated as soon as Tuesday.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016
Dodgers center fielders since Pederson went on the DL (Trayce Thompson for 43 plate appearances, Andrew Toles for seven) are 8-for-47 (.170/.220/.362), with two home runs, three doubles, three walks and 15 strikeouts.
That duo isn't alone on the Dodgers disabled list. Here is a tour around most of the 60-day DL:
Andre Ethier scheduled for bone scan today, Roberts says. Will determine next step for Ethier.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016
Alex Wood faced hitters in a sim situation at Camelback Ranch this week.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) July 15, 2016
Alex Wood was in Arizona this week to face some hitters, Roberts says. "Sooner than later" for a rehab assignment.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016
Dave Roberts on Brett Anderson's bullpen: "'Electric' might be a word."
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) July 15, 2016
Yimi Garcia has thrown to hitters, up to 93 mph.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 15, 2016
Yimi Garcia is getting close and won't need as long a rehab assignment because he's a reliever, says Roberts.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 15, 2016