Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw to begin rehab assignment Wednesday; Update on Ohtani and pivotal bullpen pieces set to return

LOS ANGELES -- Ahead of the second game in a three-game weekend series against the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave some reassuring updates about crucial arm pieces that are set to make their way back on the team soon. 

The first piece of news from Roberts was a crucial update on future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw will make his first rehab start of 2025 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The 37-year-old did not make his 2024 season debut until July and last pitched for Los Angeles on August 30. Kershaw is not eligible to be activated off the IL until May 17, but there is clear indication that this rehab stint is a step in the right direction for the lefty to be back in the rotation for 2025. 

Right-handed closer Evan Phillips is close to returning to Los Angeles after completing his fourth rehab stint for OKC last night. This appearance was different for the 30-year-old as his sweeper had great command and his fastball topped out at 94mph. Phillips has yet to pitch on back-to-back days, but it's evident that he is the closest pitcher to be activated first. 

“He’s doing really well and progressing nicely," Roberts said.

Tony Gonsolin made his third rehab start for OKC on April 9 with positive remarks on his command especially. He is neck and neck with Phillips on who will make his return first, but it is still not clear whether or not the Dodgers want him to stay in OKC for one more start before being called upon. 

“Once we get through this one, he’s certainly going to be in the conversation to be called upon, Roberts said in regards to Gonsolin's last start. 

Flamethrower Michael Kopech is on the road to recovery, as Roberts confirmed that he threw a bullpen on Friday and is scheduled to throw his next one on Tuesday. Kopech dealt with right forearm inflammation during the 2024 postseason and was kept off the mound until he started throwing again in late February. 

After being placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation, left-hander Blake Snell will begin throwing again on a mound starting Monday Roberts said. Snell said that he had been dealing with his left shoulder for weeks before his IL stint was announced and believed he could pitch through it, but the Dodgers pulled the plug and decided that rest would be the Cy Young winner's best option. 

“I thought I could pitch through it,” Snell said. “But when I got to Philly, played long toss, catch, tried to throw it. I just couldn’t. Hopefully, it’s a couple weeks and I am back and ready to go.” 

Last but certainly not least, Shohei Ohtani threw his scheduled bullpen session today. He still only threw fastballs and splitters and totaled 30 pitches in total. There is still no timetable return for Ohtani but it is most likely that he will throw another bullpen on Thursday and Roberts has doubled down on the plan that the two-way star will not throw a live bullpen until he has thrown all his pitches during his bullpen sessions.