Clayton Kershaw Could Begin Rehab Assignment Friday

Clayton Kershaw is close to returning to the mound for the Dodgers. The Dodgers, their fans and the city of Los Angeles are breathing a sigh of relief and shouting to the heavens with glee. Pump up the jam folks, and party down because Kershaw is coming back very soon. This is obviously great news for the Dodgers.

Kershaw throws a bullpen session as Rick Honeycutt watches-Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers have been without their ace, and reigning Cy Young winner since he went on the disabled list with a sore teres major muscle in his back on March 23.

Kershaw threw a bullpen session with A.J Ellis catching the other day and reported feeling good. He made about 50 pitches in what the Dodgers termed as a simulated game condition. Now the club is ready to send Kershaw on his next step towards recovery, a rehab assignment.

So Kershaw will throw another bullpen session on Tuesday, and then if all goes well, will throw a minor league rehab game on Friday, according to Ken Gurnick. Kershaw will probably be limited to around 60 or 70 pitches during his first rehab game. The club feels that he’ll probably need a second rehab game before he returns to the club.

If all goes well with Kershaw’s rehab assignment, then it’s possible the left hander could rejoin the club at the end of the next road trip.

Kershaw has pitched in just one game this season, which was the opening day win against Arizona in Sydney Australia. This is the first time Kershaw has ever been on the disabled list in his career. Please return soon Kershaw, we can’t go much longer without you.