Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw continued his recovery from left shoulder surgery with his second rehab start, pitching four innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday night.
The 36-year-old, who has won the NL Cy Young Award three times, allowed three earned runs on six hits. He struck out two batters and did not issue any walks, throwing 49 strikes out of 67 pitches against Round Rock in Texas.
Kershaw has yet to pitch for the Dodgers in the 2024 season after signing a one-year contract with a possible second-year option.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Kershaw’s progress, mentioning a potential return to the team soon.
“I’m excited,” Roberts commented ahead of the Dodgers’ game against Boston on Friday. “I exchanged texts with him after his first start. If things go well, there’s a real chance he could rejoin us for his next outing.”
Kershaw’s first rehab appearance came on June 19 for Class A Rancho Cucamonga, where he pitched three innings before being sidelined for a week due to lingering soreness from his surgery last November.
With injuries affecting the Dodgers’ pitching staff, Kershaw’s impending return could provide valuable depth. Tyler Glasnow, dealing with back tightness, is also expected to rejoin the rotation soon, adding to the team’s pitching options.
