Clayton Kershaw’s run of eight straight Opening Day starts ended due to left shoulder inflammation.
However, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace will have a different type of Opening Day assignment when he makes a rehab start at Oklahoma City on Thursday night.
Kershaw was cleared to make the start after throwing a bullpen session on Monday, and the rehab appearance just happens to be the Triple-A club’s season opener against San Antonio.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joked about the irony and told reporters that Kershaw’s streak of Opening Day starts should remain intact.
On a serious note, Los Angeles will see how Kershaw performs on Thursday before deciding the next move. Considering normal rest, the three-time Cy Young winner possibly could make his first major league start of the year on April 9 against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Kershaw, a 31-year-old left-hander, threw a three-inning simulated game on Saturday without issues.
Roberts also said that left-hander Rich Hill (knee) played catch Monday and will throw off the mound either Tuesday or Wednesday.