Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

Aug 19 (The Sports Xchange) - Clayton Kershaw wanted to throw his initial bullpen session with the coaching staff present. In order to accomplish that, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace joined the ballclub in Cincinnati. Kershaw, who is on the 60-day disabled list with a herniated disk, threw off flat ground on Friday afternoon inside Great American Ball Park. He's expected to throw 20-25 pitches in a bullpen session on Saturday and then 40 pitches on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Beyond that, the Dodgers are taking a wait-and-see approach. But a bullpen on Tuesday could help set up a minor-league rehabilitation stint later in the week. Kershaw hasn't pitched since June 26. He appeared to be on track to return in mid-July before suffering a setback. - - - New York Yankees right-hander Nathan Eovaldi underwent his second Tommy John surgery. The Yankees announced that Eovaldi also had a procedure to repair his right flexor tendon. Eovaldi was placed on the 15-day disabled list a week ago after he left in the first inning of his start against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 10 due to discomfort in his elbow. With this being Eovaldi's second Tommy John surgery -- he had his first nine years ago as a 17-year-old high school pitcher -- the rehab process likely will be longer than usual, possibly up to 18 months. The estimated rehab time for the flexor tendon surgery is 3-6 months. - - - Two players have been suspended following their violations of the minor league drug prevention and treatment program, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced. Chicago White Sox minor league first baseman Telvin Nash has received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Amphetamine, a stimulant in violation of the program. The suspension of Nash, who is currently on the roster of Class A Winston-Salem of the Carolina League, is effective immediately. Free agent minor league right-handed pitcher Oliver Suero has received a 72-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the program. The suspension of Suero will be effective immediately upon his signing with another major league organization. - - - Atlanta Braves All-Star right-hander Julio Teheran was activated from the disabled list. Teheran has been sidelined since July 31 due to a lat strain. The Braves placed left-hander Eric O'Flaherty (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list in a corresponding move. (Editing by Andrew Both)