Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) looks on from the dugout prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw to skip rehab assignment, could be activated by end of the month

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/21/22

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won 17 of their last 20 games after a 10-3 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

While the Dodgers boast the best record in the majors (84-36), they may be adding even more firepower to the club soon.

After Sunday's victory, manager Dave Roberts told reports that three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw is nearing a return.

Clayton Kershaw will not go on a minor league rehab assignment, Dave Roberts said. If no setbacks: Bullpen (maybe Monday), 3/4-inning sim game (later next week), then active.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 21, 2022

Roberts said Kershaw would forego a minor league rehab assignment and will instead throw a bullpen session and a 3-4 inning simulated game next week. If all goes well, the Dodgers could activate Kershaw before the end of the month.

Kershaw has been out of action for the last two weeks, placed on the 15-day injured list by the Dodgers on August 5 with lower back pain.

The 34-year-old missed more than a month earlier this season dealing with pelvic joint inflammation.

Kershaw is 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA in 15 starts for the Dodgers this season.

While the nine-time All-Star has reached the seventh inning only four times in 15 starts, he's 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA.

After a hot start to the season, Kershaw was struggling before his IL stint.

Over his first 12 starts, Kershaw posted a 7-2 record with a 2.13 ERA. However, since then, he's pitched just 13.2 innings, posting a 5.27 ERA in his last three starts.

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