Clayton Kershaw, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, Brett Anderson throw simulated games.

Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw hasn’t pitched since June because of a mild disc herniation in his lower back. (David Crane/Staff photographer)

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.

This entry was posted in JP on the Dodgers and tagged , , , by J.P. Hoornstra. Bookmark the permalink.

About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.