DENVER >> Clayton Kershaw threw two innings in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. He pitched two innings to a group of hitters from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga who arrived just for the occasion.
Dodger pitchers Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson all threw simulated games Tuesday as well.
For Kershaw, “it was a great step in his progression,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“He felt great after, which was obviously everything that we cared about,” Friedman said. “He said he wasn’t as sharp as he would want to be, but he’s always going to say that. The important thing is that he felt great. We’ll assess tomorrow what the next steps are.”
Kershaw is on the 60-day disabled list with a mild disc herniation in his lower back.
Although Kershaw threw three innings in a bullpen session Friday, the training staff recommended he throw two innings in his first action against live hitters. Friedman said this is standard.
What’s next?
“My guess is that Kersh will want to pitch in a major league game tomorrow,” Friedman said. “With the time that he’s missed, my best guess is the next step will be a minor league assignment. I think it’ll take a little bit of time to build him up in a way for him to be strong through September, hopefully October as well.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Kazmir, who’s been dealing with inflammation in his neck, is the closest of the other starters to returning. The left-hander threw five innings to hitters on Tuesday.
McCarthy (right hip stiffness) also threw five innings, while Anderson (finger blister) threw four.