Clayton Kershaw escapes unhurt after close call with broken bat

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Clayton Kershaw survived a minor scare in the first game of the Dodgers’ doubleheader against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, as he was hit on the side of the head by a fragment of Hanley Ramirez’s shattered bat.

The incident occurred in the third inning, when Ramirez singled to right field. Kershaw was sitting in the Dodgers’ dugout.

Kershaw, who is sidelined with a hip injury, was said to be fine.

“I have ruled out the ear surgery,” Manager Don Mattingly said, smiling.

But Mattingly and the Dodgers still haven’t publicly ruled out the possibility of a hip operation. Kershaw has forbidden the organization from revealing significant details about his injury.

Kershaw continued his throwing program on Tuesday – that is, he played catch on flat ground. His partner on Tuesday was first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

The Dodgers are taking a wait-and-see approach with Kershaw, who has maintained hope of pitching again this season. The team won’t allow Kershaw to pitch in a game unless the pain in his hip vanishes.

“I don’t know if that’s going to happen at all,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly said Kershaw would have to throw a bullpen session before pitching in a game. Kershaw doesn’t have a bullpen session scheduled.

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