Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is expected to return to the team Friday and throw a “light bullpen” session. It will be the first time the lefty has thrown in over a month. He encountered a setback in mid-July during his rehabilitation program after being placed on the disabled list June 26th.
While the news of Kershaw’s potential return is very exciting for the team, the Dodgers have been performing very well in his absence. Since the end of June the team has gone 26-16. Their offense is at the top of every category in the National League. Their bullpen has essentially been lights out. They have capitalized on the San Francisco Giants’ recent decline, and jumped into first place in the National League West with a game and a half lead.
Clayton Kershaw to Throw Bullpen Session Friday
Having Kershaw back on the mound will be a huge win for the team. The Dodgers are 14-2 in games that he starts. He averages over seven innings pitched each time he gets the ball. The bullpen effectively gets a night off when he pitches, and those nights will be much needed.
Their bullpen is tied for the best ERA in baseball at 3.15, but it has come at a price. They already have 420 innings pitched with two weeks left in August, second only to The Cincinnati Reds at 429.1. Needless to say, those Kershaw starts will be more than welcomed back into the rotation.
Kershaw is one of the many Dodgers’ pitchers who have missed time this season.
Brett Anderson made his season debut on August 11th against The Pittsburgh Pirates, only to be removed in the second inning after injuring his throwing hand.
Hyun-Jin Ryu made one start back in July coming off shoulder surgery, but was quickly deactivated and returned to the DL with elbow issues. He is not expected to return this season.
Brandon McCarthy, Rich Hill, and Bud Norris have all missed multiple starts as well with various injuries.
The earliest that Kershaw is eligible to return is August 27th. The team will evaluate him tomorrow after the bullpen session. If all goes well, he could return to the rotation in early September to help the Dodgers make a run at their fourth straight division title.
Main Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
