Dodgers News: LA Signals Change of Plans with Clayton Kershaw

A slight adjustment for the Dodgers according to Dave Roberts.

On Sunday, the Dodgers signaled a change of plans of sorts with injured ace Clayton Kershaw who has been sidelined with shoulder inflammation. 

Recently, Kershaw completed a 40-ish pitch bullpen session at Globe Life Field in Texas. He came out of it well and was scheduled to take the next step in his return on Monday at Dodger Stadium. That plan has now changed.

Dave Roberts told reporters including Stefan Stevenson of the OC Register that the change shouldn't be viewed as a setback.

“Nothing unforeseen came up, but just kind of the timing of the schedule and the potential of where we lock him in," Roberts said. "We’re just going to kind of wait and see – a day-to-day thing. I don’t know the next time for his pen, I don’t know that answer right now.”

Most recently, Roberts said the team was targeting an early August return for Kershaw. He's expected to throw to hitters two more times before being activated sometime in the next two to three weeks. A minor league rehab assignment is not currently on the table.

When healthy, Kershaw was the best starter in the Dodgers' rotation this season. He has a team high 10 wins along with a 2.55 ERA over 16 starts. In his absence, rookie starter Michael Grove has pitched well, allowing 6 runs over 3 starts and 15 innings.

The Dodgers return home to Dodger Stadium to open a nine game homestand on Monday. If all goes well, Kershaw should be able to rejoin the active roster before the end of the club's next road trip.