While the Los Angeles Dodgers have exercised caution throughout the process, Clayton Kershaw has recovered from a lower back strain ahead of schedule. Once pain subsided he was permitted to playing catch and that quickly evolved into throwing bullpen sessions.
Kershaw twice threw a bullpen, each time doing so without the back becoming an issue. That put the three-time Cy Young Award winner on track to advance to a simulated game at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw was penciled to throw 35 pitches while facing batters for the first time.
That group included Joc Pederson, Rob Segedin and Chase Utley, with Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt among those watching over the session.