DODGERS LHP KERSHAW EYES RETURN

CHICAGO» The last time Clayton Kershaw pitched at Wrigley Field, the ace left-hander helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers into the World Series.

It was a much different situation Monday. But still important for the Dodgers.

Kershaw threw a three-inning simulated game before Los Angeles’ series opener against the Chicago Cubs, taking another step forward in his recovery from a strained lower back. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner said he felt really good and plans to pitch somewhere in four or five days, either in a minor league rehab start or for the Dodgers

The 30-year-old Kershaw was sidelined for nearly a month with left biceps tendinitis before returning May 31 against Philadelphia. He tossed five effective innings in a no-decision against the Phillies, and then went back on the disabled list the next day with the back injury.

Angels “very optimistic” about Ohtani’s recovery.

ANAHEIM,

CALIF.» Los Angeles Angels twoway rookie Shohei Ohtani will be re-evaluated within the next three weeks to gauge progress in his recovery from a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced the slight adjustment to Ohtani’s timeline Monday before his club opened an interleague series against Arizona.

Scioscia also said the Angels are “very optimistic” about Ohtani’s prognosis. The Japanese star has been simulating swings with a bat in his left hand and participating in strength training and running for the past three to four days. A right-handed pitcher and left-handed batter, he won’t throw for at least two more weeks.

Indians’ Carrasco suffers only bruise on scary comebacker.

CLEVELAND» Indians starter Carlos Carrasco only sustained a bruised elbow when he was struck by a line drive against Minnesota.

An MRI taken Monday on Carrasco came back negative and the right-hander will likely return once his stint on the disabled list ends. Indians manager Terry Francona expressed relief that Carrasco was not more seriously injured.

Carrasco will be treated over the next 48 hours and then evaluated Wednesday.

In the second inning on Saturday, Twins star Joe Mauer hit a line drive that Carrasco couldn’t avoid. The 31-year-old has a history of being hit on the mound. He was struck in the face in 2015 and missed the 2016 playoffs after breaking his hand.

Nats get RHP Herrera from Royals for 3 minor leaguers.

WASHINGTON» Getting a jump on the trade deadline to add talent to the back of their bullpen, the Washington Nationals picked up right-hander Kelvin Herrera from the Kansas City Royals on Monday for three minor leaguers.

The Nationals sent infielder Kelvin Gutierrez, outfielder Blake Perkins and 17-year-old pitcher Yohanse Morel to Kansas City in the deal announced during Washington’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees.

Herrera has 14 saves and a 1.05 ERA this season. He’s allowed three earned runs in 25 M innings while striking out 22 batters and walking two.

Cubs INF Baez out of starting lineup due to swollen elbow.

» Cubs infielder Javier CHICAGO Baez is feeling better a day after he was hit on the left elbow by a pitch.

Baez was out of the starting lineup for Chicago’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night, but he could return as soon as Tuesday. He said it’s still pretty swollen, but he felt good and no X-rays were needed. — The Associated Press