Clayton Kershaw takes next step in recovery with bullpen session

Dodgers veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw remained on track to return after the All-Star break when he threw his first bullpen session following offseason shoulder surgery.

Kershaw, who bypassed retirement to sign another one-year deal with the Dodgers despite a long recovery ahead, was one of several positive injury updates for Los Angeles on Friday in advance of their series opener against the Atlanta Braves.

According to manager Dave Roberts, the 36-year-old Kershaw threw 15 pitches from the bullpen mound in his short but significant recovery step. Also throwing a bullpen Friday were right-handers Walker Buehler (elbow) and Bobby Miller (shoulder).

Buehler is scheduled to start Monday against the Miami Marlins in his first outing since 2022 after Tommy John surgery and a forearm flexor repair.

Kershaw's return has been set for late July or early August. His injury was most evident in his start during the 2023 National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks when he was roughed up for six runs on six hits and a walk while recording just one out.

Kershaw earned his 10th All-Star selection in 2023 and finished 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts. In 16 seasons, all with the Dodgers, the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner is 210-92 with a 2.48 ERA in 425 games (422 starts).