Los Angeles Dodgers Reveal Injury Return Goal For Ace Clayton Kershaw
The Los Angeles Dodgers got good news on the injury front on Thursday as it was revealed that ace lefty Clayton Kershaw is expected to return next week.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Kershaw (shoulder) is on track to return next week, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Kershaw faced live hitters in another successful simulated game Thursday afternoon at Dodger Stadium as he continues to take positive steps forward in his recovery from a bout of left shoulder inflammation. The veteran southpaw hasn't pitched in a major-league game since June 27, but it sounds like he'll be allowed to skip a minor-league rehab assignment. The final box to check is a weekend bullpen session.
The Dodgers enter play on Thursday at 2.0 games up in the National League West so Kershaw's return looms large for a rotation that has dealt with injuries all season. Julio Urias has spent time on the injured list while Dustin May is out for the season. Walker Buehler hasn't pitched all season either as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The team did acquire veteran Lance Lynn at the trade deadline in a deal with the Chicago White Sox.
Kershaw is 10-4 this season with a 2.55 ERA. Lifetime, he's one of the most accomplished players of his generation. He's a 10-time All-Star, a five-time ERA title winner, a three-time Cy Young winner and an MVP.
The Dodgers play the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:10 p.m. ET.
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