Clayton Kershaw‘s stay on the disabled list will last well beyond the minimum 15 days.
The Dodgers announced that Kershaw, who is nursing inflammation in the teres major muscle of his back, consulted with team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache following an MRI scan. Kershaw will be placed on a rehabilitation schedule that includes a submaximal throwing program for the next 2 to 3 weeks. He will then be re-evaluated by Dr. ElAttrache to determine when he can start throwing at increased velocity.
The timetable on when he might return to Major League competition will be determined when he is re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.
Earlier Tuesday, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters in San Diego that Kershaw might need a rehabilitation start in the minor leagues before he can return. Now, that seems like a certainty. The minor league seasons begin Thursday, so there will be plenty of opportunities for Kershaw to pitch in a rehab game.
Kershaw has never been on the disabled list in his career. Hyun-Jin Ryu, who took Kershaw’s turn in the rotation Sunday in San Diego, is expected to start the Dodgers’ home opener Friday.