Dodgers debating on Clayton Kershaw’s next start
By Matt Fisher
After being signed to a $215 year contract extension, Clayton Kershaw has yet to make his 2014 United States debut.
Kershaw’s only start came in Australia against the Diamondbacks in which he went 6.2 innings allowing only one run in the win. Since then, he has been on the disabled list with a strained upper back muscle. He made his first rehab start Friday for the Dodgers’ Class-A team and, according to Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times, doesn’t feel like he needs another start.
"It was apparently a fairly effortless outing…He feels so good that he finds a second rehab start unnecessary, though the medical staff is understandably pushing for caution…[Don] Mattingly said Kershaw was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Monday, and the Dodgers would know about his next step afterward. Kershaw politely declined comment."
It’s clear that the two-time Cy Young winner is ready mentally to get the ball rolling on 2014, but the team isn’t going to rush things with their brightest star. The team has been doing just fine so far without Kershaw, holding a 14-11 record and being only a half of a game back of first place to the Giants.