Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher and two-time NL Cy Young Award Winner Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to make a rehab start with the Chattanooga Lookouts on Wednesday, April 30 against the Tennessee Smokies at 7:15 p.m.
The former first round pick was placed on the 15-day disabled list on March 23 with lower back inflammation for the first time in his career after striking out seven Arizona Diamondbacks’ batters in 6.2 innings on Opening Day in Australia.
Last Friday, Kershaw pitched in his first game since Opening Day when he made his first major league rehab start of his career with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The southpaw put forth a dominant performance on the mound for the Quakes, striking out six Lancaster Jet Hawks in five innings.
This Wednesday will mark Kershaw’s second rehab start and first time ever pitching in AT&T Field. In 2007 and 2008 the lefty spent time with the Jacksonville Suns and posted a record of 3-5 with an ERA of 2.40 and 88 strikeouts in a combined 18 games over those two years.
“This is a great opportunity for the people of Chattanooga to see one of the game’s most dominant pitchers,” said President and General Manager of the Lookouts Rich Mozingo. “Kershaw’s appearance will end up being a banner day at AT&T Field and we are excited to have him visit the Scenic City.”
After his two seasons with the Suns in Double-A, Kershaw made it to the Majors in 2008 and made his Major League Debut on May 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Since his ML debut, he has been named to the All-Star Team three times and led the league in strikeouts in 2011 (248) and 2013 (232).
Chattanooga begins a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies on Wednesday. Fans who want to see Kershaw pitch can purchase tickets online, at our box office in person or over the phone by calling 423-267-4TIX. For more information fans can visit the team’s website at www.lookouts.com or follow the team on Twitter (@Chattlookouts) or Facebook.