MLB teams
ESPN.com news services 7y

Corey Kluber to make rehab start Thursday, could return from DL next week

MLB, Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber will make a minor league rehab start Thursday and could return from the disabled list as early as next week.

Kluber, who has been on the 10-day DL since May 3 because of a lower back strain, threw a bullpen session Monday in Cleveland and reported no issues.

Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway told reporters that the team wants Kluber to throw 70-75 pitches Thursday in his rehab start at Triple-A Columbus. At that point, the Indians will determine whether the All-Star right-hander will rejoin their rotation.

"We'll evaluate him after that game," manager Terry Francona told reporters Monday, according to Cleveland.com. "We'll see what's best for him. Whether it's another [rehab] start if he needs it or he's pitches for us."

Mike Clevinger has pitched well as Kluber's replacement in the rotation, going 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA in four appearances -- including three starts.

Kluber, the AL Cy Young Award winner in 2014, is 3-2 with a 5.06 ERA this season. He said his sore back had been bothering him for "a few starts" when the Indians placed him on the DL earlier this month.

^ Back to Top ^