Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw threw approximately 70 pitches in a four-inning simulated game at Miami on Saturday in preparation for his return from the injured list next week.

Kershaw, 34, last pitched Aug. 4 and has been on the injured list with a back strain. The three-time National League Cy Young Award winner is 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA in 15 starts this season. Over 15 seasons, all with the Dodgers, Kershaw is 192-87 with a 2.49 ERA in 394 appearances (391 starts).

Kershaw’s simulated game took place before the Dodgers’ road game against the Miami Marlins. He faced just two Dodgers hitters in the session: Trayce Thompson and Hanser Alberto.

“I would have liked to have pitched better, but ultimately you just have to do it to get your pitch count up as a starter,” Kershaw told reporters Saturday. “That was really the only reason to do it is to throw pitches. I did that and almost threw 70 pitches over four innings. I felt good. I think health and quantity is the most important thing.”

Kershaw believes he should be able to make “five or six starts” before the playoffs begin in October.

Kershaw said he knows if he will return Thursday at the New York Mets or Friday at home against the San Diego Padres, but would leave it to manager Dave Roberts to announce the decision.

–Field Level Media