Clayton Kershaw has a return plan and it involves Skyline Chili
A frustrating season in the injury department may finally take a positive turn for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On Friday, ace Clayton Kershaw took the first step toward a possible return by playing long toss at 150 feet. According to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, Kershaw came away from the session feeling normal, which is undoubtedly an encouraging development. Now the focus turns to a bullpen session that will take place prior to Saturday’s game in Cincinnati.
Part of the Kershaw plan revealed — 20-25 pitches in bullpen Saturday followed by 40-pitch session most likely Tuesday back in LA
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 19, 2016
Wait, strike that. According to Kershaw himself, the focus now turns to dinner, and perhaps lunch too, as he admittedly found another form of motivation to throw his bullpen session in Cincinnati.
Clayton Kershaw wanted to throw his bullpen in Cincy with coaching staff present. What was real reason? “Skyline Chili," he said. #Dodgers
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) August 19, 2016
That is some pretty strong foresight on Kershaw’s part.
Of course, we should probably add that Kershaw had to be cleared to advance his rehab from a bulging disk in his back. Getting some Skyline Chili out of it is just a perk he added, as he easily could have thrown his bullpen in Los Angeles or at the Dodgers spring training facility in Arizona.
As for Kershaw’s return to the field, the Dodgers will decide the next step based on his two scheduled bullpen sessions. In the meantime, we’re left with this tease from Kershaw himself.
Kershaw said there is "a good plan" in place that will allow him to contribute by end of season. Going to keep that plan "under wraps"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 19, 2016
Let the speculation begin. Perhaps Kershaw is eyeing a full return to the rotation. Others have suggested he may be ticketed for a bullpen role, which could limit his pitch counts. Time will tell on how he’ll satisfy his competitive fire. For one weekend though he’s at least satisfied his Skyline Chili craving.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
