Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Has One More Hurdle to Clear Before Return

Getting Clayton Kershaw is the biggest upgrade for the Dodgers at the deadline.

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Clayton Kershaw must pitch a bullpen with an up and down and come out of it pain-free before he rejoins the Dodger starting rotation.

Dave Roberts joined Jim Rome on Friday morning where he shared the latest update on the injured ace.

The outlook is good.

“Clayton is going to throw a live session to our guys on Saturday and at that point in time I think we’re going to pencil him in the rotation, if that goes well. We’ve been obviously conservative with Clayton, but symptomatically he feels great. If it wasn't for this IL stint, he was the frontrunner for the Cy Young.”

Via Jim Rome Show

The Dodgers should be applauded for not rushing Kershaw though they desperately needed starting rotation help. The Dodgers want Kershaw to be healthy and effective through the postseason. When Kershaw’s shoulder became inflamed on June 27th during his start against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, he had 10 wins and 4 losses with a 2.55 ERA.

Even with the addition of Lance Lynn, the Dodgers need starting pitching help. Neither Julio Urías nor Tony Gonsolin is performing up to expectations. Both Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan have shown they would benefit from having more time in AAA.

Lynn from the Chicago White Sox isn’t having a good year. He has 6 wins and 9 losses with a 6.47 ERA, but the Dodgers hope Mark Prior will work his magic with Lynn. The Dodgers hope Lynn will eat some innings and keep them in the game.

Getting Kershaw back is the biggest Dodger upgrade they have at the trading deadline.