Kershaw coming off DL to start Saturday

NEW YORK – Clayton Kershaw is set to make a surprise return from the disabled list Saturday night, starting for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a marquee matchup against New York Mets ace Jacob de Grom.

Kershaw has been sidelined since June 1 with a lower back strain. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP originally was scheduled to make a rehab start Saturday for Triple-A Oklahoma City at Omaha, but rain in the forecast caused the Dodgers to change plans.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts says Friday that Kershaw will be limited against the Mets, with rookie left-hander Caleb Ferguson ready in reserve. The 21year-old Ferguson had been slated to start Saturday.

Blue Jays closer Osuna suspended through Aug 4 by MLB:

Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna has agreed to a suspension through Aug. 4 under baseball’s domestic violence policy, discipline that will cause him to miss about half of the season.

Osuna has not pitched since May 6, two days before he was put on administrative leave when he was charged with one count of assault in Toronto.

Harper will take part in Home Run Derby if he’s an all-star:

Slugger Bryce Harper will participate in the Home Run Derby if he makes the National League All-Star team.

On Friday afternoon the Nationals tweeted: “tfw Bryce announces he’ll do the @MLB HR Derby if he makes the NL All-Star team…” accompanied by a GIF of Harper celebrating in the dugout.

The All-Star Game will be held July 17 at Nationals Park.

Harper, 25, is second in the voting among National League outfielders behind Nick Markakis of the Braves. The top three in the voting will be starters.