Kershaw close to a return for L.A.
Dodgers’ ace finishing rehab
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is scheduled make a minor league rehab start Saturday as he continues his recovery from a strained lower back. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner could be back in the majors soon.
Kershaw will be limited to four innings and 60 pitches when he returns to the mound with Class AAA Oklahoma City. If the outing goes well, Manager Dave Roberts hopes the left-hander’s next appearance will be with Los Angeles.
Kershaw threw a three-inning simulated game before the Dodgers’ postponed series opener against the Chicago Cubs Monday night. Afterward, Kershaw said he felt really good.
Roberts said Kershaw returning when the Dodgers play at the New York Mets this weekend was considered, but the team opted for the minor league start to give the lefty “the best chance for success and health.”
The 30-year-old Kershaw was sidelined for nearly a month with left biceps tendinitis before returning May 31 against Philadelphia. He pitched five effective innings in a no-decision but went back on the disabled list with the back injury.
Giants
Closer Hunter Strickland broke his pitching hand punching a door in frustration after blowing the save and taking a loss ina 5-4 defeat to the Miami Marlins.The right-hander was undergoing surgery and expected to be out 6 to 8 weeks, manager Bruce Bochy said. “I’m thoroughly disappointed, trust me. I’m crushed because this guy had just grown as a pitcher and a player and aperson,” Bochy said.
Rangers
Texas sent rookie lefthander Yohander Mendez back to Class AAA Round Rock for violating team rules. Mendez was supposed to start Wednesday’s series finale against Kansas City.
Orioles
Former Pirate Pedro Alvarez was designated for assignment by Baltimore. Alvarez, 31, had a .181 batting average in 45 games.
Elsewhere
Keystone Oaks graduate Taylor Lehman, a 6foot-8, 240-pound lefthanded pitcher, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was selected in the 34th round by the Miami Marlins in 2014, but he did not sign, then played the next four seasons at Penn State.