Dodgers' Kershaw plays catch for 2nd day in a row

LOS ANGELES (AP) Clayton Kershaw has taken another step forward in his attempt to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation this season, playing catch

LOS ANGELES (AP) Clayton Kershaw has taken another step forward in his attempt to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation this season, playing catch Saturday for the second day in a row.

Sidelined since his last start on June 26, Kershaw (mild disk herniation) extended his throwing to 90 feet during the pre-game session, one day after a session from 65 feet. The three-time Cy Young Award winner resumed his baseball activaties last Sunday.

Kershaw (11-2, 1.79) complained of lower back stiffness in his last start and was placed on the disabled list on July 1, retroactive to June 27. His first rehab progressed as far as throwing a simulated game on July 16, after which he was shut down again.

Moved to the 60-day DL on Aug. 3, Kershaw is eligible to return to the Dodgers on Aug. 27. The Dodgers are hopeful Kershaw returns to their rotation by mid-September.