Clayton Kershaw could return to the Dodgers in the second week of September if all goes according to plan, according to Southern California News Group’s JP Hoornstra (via twitter). His back is now asymptomatic, Kershaw has started throwing bullpens. With the division all but complete, the Dodgers will prioritize getting Kershaw healthy for the postseason. The legendary southpaw continues to defy the odds when healthy, posting a 2.64 ERA / 2.72 FIP in 15 starts covering 85 1/3 innings. Elsewhere in the National League…
- Sixto Sanchez moved his bullpen session from Saturday to Monday after suffering a shoulder problem, according to MLB.com’s Christina de Nicola (via twitter). A rising star during the truncated 2020 season, Sanchez made seven starts and held out well into the postseason. However, the 24-year-old has not played on the pitch since then due to injury. Miami would love to see Sanchez return to the majors this season to get a taste of the action — even just to build some momentum into 2023.
- The Reds are unlikely to see relief Toni Santillan return to the hill this season, per Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer (via twitter). Santillan looked like someone who could potentially play a bigger role this season after posting a 2.91 ERA/4.62 FIP over 43 1/3 innings in 2021. The Reds gave Santillan some high-leverage opportunities, but he only stayed healthy long enough to accumulate four saves and a 5.49 ERA/4.09 FIP in 19 2/3 innings in 21 games.