Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw (back) goes five innings in rehab start

Clayton Kershawpitched five innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday night and afterward proclaimed himself healthy and ready to return to theLos Angeles Dodgers.

Kershaw, who is rehabbing from a lower back strain, has been sidelined since July 24.

"I feel I've always been ready, but this is part of the process, and I'm glad to get this under my belt and ready to get up there," he said.

Kershaw allowed one run and two hits with no walks and eight strikeouts against the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate.

He threw 64 pitches, including 43 strikes.

"It was fun to get back out there, fun to pitch again," Kershaw said. "It's been a long time, so I was glad to get back out there, and everything felt healthy and good to go, so I'm excited about the next one."

Kershaw's last major league start came July 23, when he left after 21 pitches because of tightness in his back.

A three-time Cy Young winner, he is 15-2 with a 2.04 ERA this season.