Roberts encouraged by Kershaw's recovery from biceps tendinitis

Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace currently working his way back from a bout of left biceps tendinitis, played catch from a distance of 90 feet Wednesday - an encouraging step in his recovery, according to manager Dave Roberts.

"He threw the ball really well," Roberts told MLB.com's Glenn Sattell. "He ramped up the intensity. It's encouraging the progress he's made. I'm not sure what the plan is for tomorrow. He may be off tomorrow. But today was really good."

The Dodgers don't have a firm timetable for his return, however, and Roberts said it's "doubtful" the three-time Cy Young award winner throws off a mound this week.

Roberts was also non-committal when asked whether Kershaw - who last appeared in a game May 1 at Chase Field - would require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Dodgers' rotation.

"I know Clayton doesn't love the rehab, so we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Roberts said.

Before landing on the DL, Kershaw had crafted a 2.86 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP across seven starts, notching 48 strikeouts while allowing seven home runs in 44 innings.

Kershaw, a seven-time All-Star, is one of several Dodgers starters dealing with an injury at the moment, along with fellow left-handers Rich Hill (finger blister) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin strain).