Clayton Kershaw – Page 6 – Dodger Thoughts

Clayton Kershaw eyeing Saturday bullpen session

By Jon Weisman

On August 18, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching

By Jon Weisman

Some quick Dodger pitching updates for before the game:

Clayton Kershaw is expected to meet the Dodgers in Cincinnati, where he will throw off flat ground Friday with a tentative bullpen session scheduled for Saturday.
Bud Norris remains scheduled to be activated from the disabled list Friday, with Brett Anderson starting Saturday.
Lefty reliever Adam Liberatore is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday as well, meaning the Dodgers would have to make two roster moves in the next 24 hours.
Kenta Maeda, whose next turn in the rotation would be Sunday, might get extra rest, with the Dodgers turning to an in-house spot starter in that case.
Rich Hill is pitching a simulated game at Camelback Ranch tonight.
Hyun-Jin Ryu is rehabbing but has not picked up a baseball. He is not expected to return for the Dodgers in 2016.

Brett Anderson to make 2016 debut Sunday

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching, Uncategorized

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Brett Anderson’s beard has gotten a lot longer since you last saw him in a big-league game. But his wait has gotten a lot shorter.

Two games from now, Anderson will make his first official start of 2016, taking the mound in the Dodgers’ series finale Sunday against the Pirates.

“I’m excited for Brett — it’s been a long road for him,” Dave Roberts said. “So to get him back, I think is obviously a good thing for us.

Sidelined by March back surgery, Anderson pitched a career-high 180 1/3 innings in 2015 with a 3.69 ERA. He made 18 quality starts last season and pitched at least five innings in 26 out of 31 games.

Anderson will follow Brandon McCarthy, who worked through some mechanical issues in two bullpen sessions this week and will make his scheduled start on Saturday.

“Just getting the natural feel back,” McCarthy said. “It felt very normal this week. … It wasn’t anything huge, but got to see what that leads to.

“A couple of things get off base and you feel screwy, and then it turns into you do’t believe you can execute something because your body’s not in position to allow you to execute it, so it just kinds of compounds upon itself. It feels like something’s been found now, so just making sure that’s it. It’s a very basic thing, but it’s something you can get away from quickly.”

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Celebrities, Community

[mlbvideo id=”1041072283″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Thursday’s fourth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose proved once again to be a happy and fun fundraiser for Kershaw’s Challenge. Here are some photo highlights on a night when Will Ferrell (wearing a Vic Davalillo jersey) was the emcee, Susan Sarandon was a special guest, Dennis Gilbert was the honoree, but Clayton Kershaw’s outfit was the star.

— Jon Weisman

Kershaw, Kazmir, Maeda discuss youth pitching

By Jon Weisman

On August 11, 2016

In Pitching, Publications

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Pitching workloads are a big deal in the Major Leagues. They’re an even bigger deal in youth baseball, though there’s still no consensus among parents, coaches or anyone else about what’s right and what’s wrong.

In a recent issue of Dodger Insider magazine, writer Chris Gigley asked Dodger starters Clayton Kershaw, Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda for their thoughts. One of Kershaw’s big points was the value of diverse activities.

“I played football and basketball up until my freshman year in high school,” said Kershaw, whom the Dodgers drafted in 2006 out of Highland Park High School just outside Dallas. “I definitely think it’s important to play other sports when you’re young.”

Read the entire story by clicking here.

Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand plus one in October, 13 issues total. It is distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. Dodger Insider magazine includes news, features, analysis, photos, games, stadium information and more. Fans who still wish to subscribe can do so at dodgers.com/magazine.

Video: Clayton Kershaw plants the seeds of distraction

By Jon Weisman

On August 8, 2016

In Humor

[mlbvideo id=”1026696483″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

As Vin Scully narrated, Clayton Kershaw (“with a devilish look, like a little kid”) and Scott Van Slyke piled sunflower seeds on the shoulders of an unaware Alex Wood during Sunday’s 8-5 Dodger victory over Boston.

Kershaw played catch before Sunday’s game, so hopefully before too long he has even better uses for that golden left arm of his.

— Jon Weisman

Coleman, Liberatore head to DL, Toles optioned — Urías, Fields and Stewart recalled

By Jon Weisman

On August 3, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Rockies, 5:40 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Scott Van Slyke, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Kiké Hernández, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Brock Stewart, P

By Jon Weisman

A flurry of moves have been made by the Dodgers before tonight’s game in Colorado.

Louis Coleman (right shoulder fatigue) and Adam Liberatore (left elbow inflammation) have been placed on the disabled list. For Liberatore, the transaction is retroactive to July 30.

Joining the Dodgers from Triple-A Oklahoma City are pitchers Julio Urías and newly acquired Josh Fields. In addition, outfielder Andrew Toles has been optioned to Oklahoma City to make room for tonight’s starting pitcher, Brock Stewart.

Clayton Kershaw moved to 60-day disabled list

By Jon Weisman

On August 3, 2016

In Health/injuries

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw has been moved to the 60-day disabled list, an acknowledgment that he will not pitch for the Dodgers until their final series of August at the earliest.

Ping Pong 4 Purpose returns August 11 to aid Kershaw’s Challenge

By Jon Weisman

On August 2, 2016

In Community

Audrey Van Slyke, Eric Stonestreet, Scott Van Slyke and Clayton Kershaw at the 2015 Ping Pong 4 Purpose event at Dodger Stadium (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw’s back isn’t back, but his service for the community remains front and center.

The fourth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose event, benefiting Kershaw’s Challenge, will take place August 11 at Dodger Stadium.

Will Ferrell will co-host the celebrity ping-pong tournament with Kershaw and his wife Ellen. The night will feature past and present Dodger players, as well celebrity guests scheduled to include Susan Sarandon, Eric Stonestreet, George Lopez, Anthony Anderson, Mike Epps, Rob Riggle, Omar Miller, Claire Holt, Troy Garity, Mario Lopez, Emily Osment, Becca Tilley, Ben Lyons, Diplo, Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar.

The evening’s top honoree will be Dennis Gilbert, the former agent and founder of the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation.

Still no date for Clayton Kershaw’s return to action

By Jon Weisman

On July 26, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Clayton Kershaw says he hates being out but loves how the team has done in his absence. pic.twitter.com/jUaJBdwh24

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 26, 2016

Rays at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Andrew Toles, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw can’t limbo, so he’s still in limbo.

That’s today’s scoop, or lack thereof, on the injured Dodger ace, who has now gone one full month since he last pitched before landing on the disabled list with a herniated disc.

Kershaw was eyeing a fast return until he had a setback following a bullpen session July 16, when something “didn’t feel quite right.”

“All I can say is I’m doing everything I possibly can to get back, obviously,” Kershaw said. “I trust the trainers and coaches to get me there.”

Kershaw said that he had a personal timetable for his return before he was forced to press pause, but that now his view is more open-ended and centers around checking off recovery milestones when he can, so that he can still have “an impact on this season” for the Dodgers.

“There’s a lot of gray area, I guess would be the right way to say it,” he said. “You just have to go based on your symptoms. I didn’t have any pain leading up to when I pitched. Then I pitched, and I felt pain again, so now I just have to wait until I don’t feel pain again.

“As of today, I did all my core work, and knocked it out today. Today I made it. On to tomorrow.”

The only saving grace for the fiercely competitive Kershaw has been that the Dodgers have gone 15-8 in his absence.

“It has been so fun to watch, man,” he said. “It’s not easy watching the games on TV, but these guys really make me want to be a part of it, just the way these guys are playing. It’s a great team — it really is. One of the closest teams that I’ve been a part of.

Rehab news glowing for Kershaw & Co.

By Jon Weisman

On July 14, 2016

In Health/injuries

By Jon Weisman

It was an absolutely lovely day at Dodger Stadium today. Mild warmth. A refreshing breeze.

As the shadows made their way across the field at the 5 o’clock hour, Clayton Kershaw and Brett Anderson emerged from the clubhouse and played catch. And it wasn’t tentative. It was glove-poppin’, “we mean business” catch.

While more Dodgers trickled onto the field for an informal workout tonight, the last night before returning to action with a 10-game road trip that begins Friday at Arizona, Dave Roberts spoke to reporters about the state of several injured players — Kershaw, Anderson, Joc Pederson, Alex Wood, Andre Ethier, Yimi Garcia. And everything was just about as glowing as that magic late-afternoon sunlight.

Kershaw to throw first bullpen session since injury

By Jon Weisman

On July 10, 2016

In Health/injuries

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw won’t come off the disabled list Friday for the Dodgers’ first game after the All-Star Break, but he continues to progress. Dave Roberts told reporters today that Kershaw would throw a light bullpen session today of approximately 20 pitches.

So far, the Dodgers have held it together in Kershaw’s absence, going 9-4 since his last start, with only today’s game to go before they take four days off.

The Dodgers return to action with three games at Arizona. Bud Norris, Brandon McCarthy and Kenta Maeda are scheduled to start. After a travel day July 18, they play at Washington, with Scott Kazmir and Hyun-Jin Ryu taking the first two games against the Nationals.

Kershaw, Ethier, Anderson quicken recovery progress

By Jon Weisman

On July 6, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Orioles at Dodgers, 12:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Trayce Thompson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Scott Van Slyke, RF
A.J. Ellis, C
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

Chronically the last team to count their chickens before they hatch, the Dodgers nevertheless feel upbeat about the latest progress from Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson and Andre Ethier in their injury rehab.

Kershaw and Anderson, each recovering from different back ailments — Anderson’s required surgery in March, Kershaw’s an epidural last week — played catch in left field this morning, “which is exciting and encouraging for all of us,” Dave Roberts said.

No return timetable has been outlined for Kershaw, but Roberts said that the clearance to play catch came ahead of schedule.

Jansen, Kershaw, Seager named to NL All-Star team

By Jon Weisman

On July 5, 2016

In All-Star Game

By Jon Weisman

The wait is over for Kenley Jansen, and it never began for Corey Seager.

The Dodgers’ veteran closer and rookie shortstop have each been named to their first National League All-Star team, where they are joined at least in spirit by Clayton Kershaw — who despite his current back injury earned his sixth consecutive All-Star spot.

Dodgers to recall Luis Avilan, option Julio Urías

By Jon Weisman

On July 5, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Orioles at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Trayce Thompson, CF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Howie Kendrick, LF
Chris Taylor, 3B
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Luis Avilan is being recalled by the Dodgers to take the spot of Julio Urías, who as expected will be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a day after his final big-league start before the All-Star Break. Dave Roberts told reporters the news this afternoon.

This is Avilan’s third separate stint with the big-league club this year, but he has only thrown one official inning. In four games, opponents were 3 for 6 against him with two walks (one intentional).

For Triple-A Oklahoma City, Avilan has 29 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings with a 4.55 ERA.

Urías was called up for his MLB debut eight years and two days after Clayton Kershaw, and he was optioned (technically, for the second time — though he didn’t miss a start) eight years and three days after Kershaw. A comparison of their opening acts with the Dodgers:

Kershaw (May 25-July 1, 2008): age 20, eight starts, 38 2/3 innings, 4.42 ERA (99 ERA+), 1.63 WHIP, 7.7 K/9
Urías (May 27-July 4, 2016): age 19, eight starts, 36 1/3 innings, 4.95 ERA (80 ERA+), 1.54 WHIP, 10.9 K/9

Joc Pederson joins Kershaw on 15-day disabled list

By Jon Weisman

On July 1, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Rockies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Trayce Thompson, CF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

Joc Pederson and Clayton Kershaw have officially been placed on the 15-day disabled list, with Will Venable returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Pederson’s spot on the 25-man roster, and Bud Norris coming onto the team for Kershaw.

Pederson is second on the Dodgers with 16 doubles, 13 homers, 31 walks, a .476 slugging percentage, .342 weighted on-base average and 116 weighted runs created. The 24-year-old hasn’t played since crashing into the outfield wall Tuesday at Milwaukee and suffering a sprained right AC (acromioclavicular) joint.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Tag: Clayton Kershaw (Page 6 of 36)

Clayton Kershaw eyeing Saturday bullpen session

Brett Anderson to make 2016 debut Sunday

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Kershaw, Kazmir, Maeda discuss youth pitching

Video: Clayton Kershaw plants the seeds of distraction

Coleman, Liberatore head to DL, Toles optioned — Urías, Fields and Stewart recalled

Clayton Kershaw moved to 60-day disabled list

Ping Pong 4 Purpose returns August 11 to aid Kershaw’s Challenge

Still no date for Clayton Kershaw’s return to action

Rehab news glowing for Kershaw & Co.

Kershaw to throw first bullpen session since injury

Kershaw, Ethier, Anderson quicken recovery progress

Jansen, Kershaw, Seager named to NL All-Star team

Dodgers to recall Luis Avilan, option Julio Urías

Joc Pederson joins Kershaw on 15-day disabled list

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