Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers threw in a rehab appearance for triple-A Oklahoma City Tuesday. The future Hall of Fame lefty gave up two earned runs on four hits in three innings. The two runs came on a home run by Albuquerque Isotopes catcher Brian Serven in the second inning. Kershaw gave up four hits in his three innings while striking out three. The Dodgers beat the Isotopes 8-7. Kershaw did not factor in the decision.
Kershaw has not pitched since July 3rd when he gave up three earned runs on three hits and a walk across four innings against the Washington Nationals. Clayton also struck out three Nationals during that game. It has been over two months since the lefty has made any appearance, so it is good to see Kershaw make a rehab start. The Dodgers expect Kershaw’s next start to be in the majors, provided Clayton is feeling well. This triple-A appearance was a test to see how well Kershaw’s left arm responds to throwing in a game.
Kershaw has been on the IL since July 7th with left arm inflammation and soreness. Since the Dodgers lost Kershaw, they have been requiring the use of bullpen games in his absence. This generally has not been an issue for the Dodgers, but since Tony Gonsolin is also on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, the Dodgers have a three-man rotation along with two bullpen games to fill in the gaps.
The Injury Bug Hit the Dodgers Rotation Hard
The Dodgers attempted to shore up the rotation by signing Cole Hamels, but he is now on the 60-day IL due to left shoulder surgery, which means he is out for the remainder of the season. Jimmy Nelson would have been a potential replacement for Kershaw, but Nelson has recently had right elbow surgery. Dustin May is out for the season with Tommy John surgery. So Dodgers fans may simply need to wait for Gonsolin’s return or for Danny Duffy to make his long-awaited Dodgers debut. Duffy has been on the IL with a left flexor strain since the Dodgers traded for him. Duffy’s debut is supposedly getting closer, however. He is throwing bullpen sessions. If he does finally join the rotation, he will be a welcomed addition. Before the Dodgers traded for Duffy, he pitched to a 2.51 ERA and struck out 65 batters in 61 innings.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Clayton Kershaw, Brian Serven, Tony Gonsolin, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Nelson, Dustin May, Danny Duffy
