Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Throws Off Mound Monday

Kershaw Tosses 20 Pitches in Simulated Game

Clayton Kershaw is one step closer to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation. The three-time Cy Young Award winner threw 20 pitches in a simulated game on Monday, his first time facing live hitters since going on the injured list with a lower back injury on July 7.

Kershaw's outing went well, as he threw all of his pitches for strikes and did not allow any hits. He said he felt "really good" after the outing and that he is on track to return to the rotation next week.

Kershaw's Return Bolsters Dodgers Rotation

Kershaw's return is a major boost for the Dodgers, who have struggled with injuries to their starting rotation this season. Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin have all missed time with injuries, and Julio Urías has been the only consistent starter.

With Kershaw back in the fold, the Dodgers will have one of the best rotations in baseball. Kershaw, Buehler, May, Gonsolin, and Urías are all capable of being aces, and they give the Dodgers a formidable 1-5.

Kershaw's Injury History

Kershaw has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but he has always been able to bounce back and return to his dominant form. He missed the entire 2016 season with a back injury, but he came back to win the Cy Young Award in 2017.

Kershaw's latest injury is not considered to be serious, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He is a key part of the Dodgers' plans to win their first World Series since 1988, and his return is a major step in that direction.