Jul 2, 2008 7:09 pm US/Pacific
Dodgers Activate Kuroda ToSend Kershaw To Double-A
HOUSTON (AP) ―
The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Hiroki Kuroda to start against Houston on Wednesday and optioned rookie left-hander Clayton Kershaw to Double-A Jacksonville.
Kuroda (3-6) was placed on the disabled June 13 because of tendinitis in his throwing shoulder.
The corresponding move surprised the 20-year-old Kershaw, who made eight starts since being called up from Jacksonville on May 24. He allowed three runs on six hits in 5 2-3 innings on Tuesday night, but did not get the decision in the Dodgers' 7-6 victory.
"I knew they had to do a bunch of roster moves, but I didn't expect it," said Kershaw, who was 0-2 with a 4.42 ERA. "It's part of the business. It's just disappointing. Any time you get sent down, it's not what you want."
Dodgers manager Joe Torre expected Kershaw to join Jacksonville's starting rotation.
"I trust he'll go down and continue to work toward getting better," Torre said. "That's the only thing I said to him. I said as long as you're going there, you might as well continue improving on your off (speed) stuff. He's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll be fine."
Kershaw said he gained confidence from what he learned in his first stint in the majors.
"It felt great to pitch good," he said. "I know I can do it. I just need to get a little more consistent, I guess."
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
