Clayton Kershaw will take his first official step toward joining the Los Angeles Dodgers next week, though there will still be a long wait before can suit up for the MLB team. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday that Kershaw will start a rehab assignment next Wednesday,

Kershaw isn't eligible to return from the injured list until May 17, but the fact that he's already been cleared to begin a rehab assignment is an encouraging sign that he may be able to return around then.