LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw took a well-recognized stance Saturday, pitching from the mound at Dodger Stadium. This time he was dealing with hitters in a mock sport earlier than the Dodgers' sport in opposition to the Rockies, the primary time Kershaw has confronted hitters since Recreation 1 of the 2023 NLDS.
“It went nicely, I really feel good. The shoulder feels good,” Kershaw stated. “Now it's only a matter of rebuilding your pitches and on the point of go.”
Kershaw confronted Chris Taylor, Austin Barnes and Kendall George, the Dodgers' high choose since 2023 who made the journey from Lake Elsinore, the place his Rancho Cucamonga staff performs this week. Kershaw pitched practically the equal of 1 lengthy inning, dealing with every batter twice.
Managers Dave Roberts stated Kershaw hit 88 mph, and threw largely fastballs and sliders on Saturday.
“We got here out of what we hoped for. We got here out of it feeling good, feeling sturdy. I didn't have a shot. It was an actual optimistic right now,” stated Roberts. “We're manner forward of schedule. I believe that's actually encouraging. Each occasion that occurs, you simply need to hold shifting ahead and construct on the optimistic.”
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Saturday marked two days to seven months since Kershaw had surgical procedure to restore the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule of his left shoulder final Nov. 3. Since Kershaw has by no means had surgical procedure earlier than this process, he admitted that this rehabilitation course of was new for him, and it took some getting used to.
Not one of the events concerned appeared desperate to set a agency timeline for a doable return to the majors, however Kershaw and Roberts in contrast it near the beginning of spring coaching.
“Construct an inning each 5 – 6 days or so, and see the place you're at,” Kershaw stated.
“Six weeks is one thing that's most likely about proper,” Roberts stated. “Clearly with Clayton, we're going to learn and react. However I believe there’ll at all times be a constant course of.”
Six weeks from now’s the All-Star break, which is just about according to what was considered an optimistic objective when Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers in February.
Subsequent up for Kershaw shall be two simulated innings, this time on the venue subsequent week when Rancho Cucamonga performs at house, whereas the Dodgers are on the highway in Pittsburgh and the Bronx. Kershaw's subsequent outing gained't be a rehab begin, however somewhat pitch earlier than a Quakes sport like he did Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
