Kershaw nearing return after simulated game

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw said he expects to be back in game action soon, after pitching a three-inning simulated game on Monday before the Dodgers played the Chicago Cubs.

"Everything went fine," Kershaw told reporters of the simulated game. "Four or five days from now, I'll be pitching somewhere."

Manager Dave Roberts was impressed -- saying it's the best the lefty has looked in a month -- and agreed Kershaw should be back on the mound soon, but added that it might be in the form of a rehab start rather than with the Dodgers.

"Absolutely we're ready for him to pitch in four or five days," Roberts said. "We haven't made that decision where. A rehab start for one of our faves, most likely [Triple-A Oklahoma City], or a major league start.

"It's a conversation, but I think obviously Clayton is going to be more on the aggressive side, which we all know and appreciate. But we have to have the conversation with the training staff and front office, and really try to figure out what makes the most sense for him and for us."

Since going on the disabled list with left biceps tendinitis on May 6, Kershaw has pitched just once, a five-inning outing on May 31 in which his back tightened up, sending him right back to the DL. That marked the 30-year-old's fourth career DL stint caused by a back injury, including one in each of the last three seasons.

Roberts acknowledged that Kershaw's lack of work over the last six weeks could make a rehab start more likely before the four-time Cy Young Award winner returns to the rotation. Likewise, Kershaw isn't sure if he'll have the stamina to last six or seven innings early on in his return from the DL.

"That's a good question," Kershaw said. "I don't know how to answer that. Honestly, but vaguely. Today, I felt good. The next step will be in four or five days."

Kershaw is 1-4 with a 2.76 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 11 walks in 49 innings pitched this year. His ERA would be his worst mark in a season since 2010, and the velocity on his fastball has been noticeably down this season, as well.

The Dodgers are 11-3 since Kershaw's return to the DL, having moved within striking distance of the National League West lead.

--Field Level Media