DENVER -- Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who hasn't pitched since June 26 and is out indefinitely with a herniated disk, was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday to free a 40-man roster spot as part of a flurry of moves that included the promotion of teenage pitcher Julio Urías.
Kershaw is eligible to return Aug. 26, but that won't happen because he still has not resumed playing catch after suffering a setback in his rehab two weeks ago.
"That's more of a mechanical logistic type move. He wasn't going to be ready before that anyway," said manager Dave Roberts. "He's doing exercises and progression. Hopefully he'll be back sooner than later. I haven't heard anything new. Just leaving it to the doctors and Clayton to stabilize the back.
"We haven't talked about [building up arm strength], it makes sense to do that. But we're taking the approach, when he can pick up a baseball we'll see where we're at, and if it's feasible. We've been reluctant as far as having a deadline and a timetable. He doesn't have pain, it's strengthening and stabilizing."
In addition to the Kershaw roster move, the Dodgers recalled Urias, starter Brock Stewart and newly acquired reliever Josh Fields. They placed on the 15-day disabled list relievers Adam Liberatore and Louis Coleman, and they optioned outfielder Andrew Toles to Triple-A and optioned pitcher Josh Ravin to Triple-A off the restricted list.
Liberatore has been pitching with left elbow inflammation and Coleman has right shoulder fatigue, according to Roberts, who said Liberatore is unable to get full extension and Coleman is feeling the effects of heavy usage.
Urias pitched three innings of long relief Wednesday night, ruling him out for a spot start on Saturday if Bud Norris (lat muscle) and Rich Hill (finger blister) can't go. Hill is the most likely starter.
Hill, acquired Monday and eligible to come off the disabled list, threw a full 52-pitch bullpen session and said he felt fine Wednesday.
Hill wouldn't speculate on whether a rehab start would be needed before he makes his first Dodgers start. He said he threw all pitches without discomfort and credited laser therapy designed for wound healing for accelerating the process.
The Dodgers need a starter for Saturday. Norris is currently listed, even though he faced only two batters in a Sunday start before leaving the game with lat pain. Roberts said he was waiting to hear how Norris came out of a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.