Clayton Kershaw, who hasn't pitched since June 26 because of a mild disk herniation in his lower back, could be back on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers as early as next week.

Kershaw should return by the end of the month at the latest.

"We're really encouraged," Dave Roberts said. "For Clayton, not a whole lot's left. He said he's feeling well."

The staff ace was 11-2 at the time of his injury with a dominating 1.79 ERA over his first 121 innings.