Bullpen session has Clayton Kershaw more optimistic of '16 return

LOS ANGELES -- Clayton Kershaw is growing more optimistic that he will return to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, encouraged Tuesday after another bullpen session to test his ailing lower back.

Kershaw, who has not pitched in a game since June 26, warmed up on flat ground in the Dodger Stadium outfield and then threw 41 pitches to regular catcher A.J. Ellis in the left-field bullpen.

"It was a good test," Kershaw said afterward. "We got to go through sequences, simulating facing hitters. It was all good steps. I feel good and I'm ready for the next step. I'm not quite sure what that is at the moment. It will be either another (bullpen) or facing hitters."

Kershaw has been trying to rehab what was originally diagnosed as a minor disk herniation. He had one simulated start in mid-July, just after the All-Star break against Dodgers minor leaguers, but reported more discomfort and was shut down again.

No timetable has ever been given for Kershaw's return, and the left-hander would not guarantee he would pitch this season, saying only that he has optimism.

"It's such a hard question," he said when asked if he will pitch this year. "I was this far last time too. I'm optimistic obviously, but it's just that I need to face hitters to know. I need to know that with that added intensity that I will come out of it OK."

When Kershaw does eventually face hitters, it could possibly be in a simulated game session. He could then go on a minor league rehab assignment, but the regular season in the minor leagues ends the first week of September.

"I didn't get a chance to put eyes on him but in talking to (pitching coach) Rick (Honeycutt) and hearing from Kersh, he was really encouraged," manager Dave Roberts said. "I think it will be a couple of days of playing catch and then ramp up to 60 pitches and then we'll see where to go from there. But today was a good day for us."

Kershaw was 11-2 in 16 starts this season before his injury. He had a 1.79 ERA in 121 innings and had 145 strikeouts to just nine walks. He also seemed confident he could reach something resembling his top form when he ultimately returns.

"I don't like to take things for granted," Kershaw said. "That's why I try to do everything like I did before, because I feel like if I take a day off, I might forget. Thankfully, I feel like I have some muscle memory built up to remember how to do it. It was a little better than I thought it would be today, so that's a good sign."