Clayton Kershaw still not throwing, moved to 60-day disabled list

DENVER -- The Los Angeles Dodgers moved Clayton Kershaw to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, a move more procedural in nature than indicative of the staff ace's recovery timetable.

Kershaw had been on the 15-day disabled list since June 27, the day after a start at Pittsburgh when he came away with a lower back injury. He was diagnosed with a mild disk herniation, but ended up having a setback when he participated in a simulated game shortly after the All-Star break.

Kershaw's move to the longer DL is not an indicator of any new setback. He is eligible to return on Aug. 27, but the Dodgers did not expect him back before that date anyway.

"It's more of a logistical-type move in that he wasn't going to be ready before then," manager Dave Roberts said. "To get him on the 60-day, he's still doing his exercises and his progressions. Hopefully he'll be back sooner than later." Roberts did indicate, though, that Kershaw still hasn't resumed baseball activities after his mid-July setback. The Dodgers have 56 games remaining in the regular season.

In also moving Kershaw to the 60-day DL, the Dodgers were able to open a spot on the 40-man roster to add right-handed reliever Josh Fields, acquired from the Houston Astros at Monday's non-waiver trade deadline. Fields was also added to the active roster, along with pitchers Julio Urias and Brock Stewart.

The Dodgers placed two players on the disabled list Wednesday: right-hander Luis Coleman (right shoulder fatigue) and left-hander Adam Liberatore (left elbow inflammation. Outfielder Andrew Toles was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Kershaw was 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA and in the midst of a historic season after his first 16 starts. He had 145 strikeouts at the time and only nine walks. In fact, he still easily leads the Dodgers in strikeouts even though he hasn't pitched in over a month.

Last week Kershaw said he was hopeful to make a return this season and have an impact down the stretch, but the Dodgers have no guarantees that his return will occur this season.

So when would Kershaw have to resume baseball activities in order to be able to pitch again this season?

"I think we're taking the approach of, he's going to get back as soon as he can," Roberts said. "When he's able to pick up a baseball (to start playing catch), at that point and time we'll see where we're at and if it's even feasible. But we expect it to work. We've been reluctant with Clayton to give him a deadline or a timetable or anything like that."