SAN FRANCISCO -- Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw took the next step in his rehab on Tuesday, tossing three innings in a simulated game at Oracle Park. Kershaw threw about 45 pitches and faced outfielder Luke Raley and infielder Sheldon Neuse.

“I think it went all right,” Kershaw said. “Got it done. That stuff is no fun, so I’m glad I got it over with.”

Kershaw has been sidelined since July 7 after experiencing some discomfort in his left elbow/forearm area while playing catch. It was something that was bothering Kershaw for a couple of weeks. The Dodgers, however, have been hopeful from the start that the left-hander would be able to return to the rotation at some point in early August. Kershaw’s successful simulated game on Tuesday certainly puts him on track to fit into that timeline.

“Obviously the stuff was good to the eye,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “But most importantly, he felt good coming out of it physically, mentally and tomorrow will be telling as well as kind of giving us some clarity on this next week.”

The clarity the Dodgers are looking for is to see what the next step is. L.A. could choose to activate Kershaw and start him on Sunday against the D-backs or the club can have him pitch in another simulated game in order to continue his buildup.

“It’s really not up to me. It’s a matter of what the team needs,” Kershaw said. “You know, obviously I’m not built up to 100 pitches or whatever, so if I have to be built up to 90 or 100 pitches, I probably have to do another one, but if less than that is good enough to be back, then I’ll be back.”

When Kershaw returns, it’ll be a big boost to the rotation. Since Kershaw went down with injury, the Dodgers have inserted David Price into the rotation and called up top pitching prospect Josiah Gray. Price and Gray have fared well, and Tony Gonsolin had his best start on Friday against the Rockies after struggling to get deep into games earlier this season.

Still, the Dodgers are looking for starting-pitching depth and have been very aggressive in trade conversations, sources told MLB.com. Adding Kershaw, who is having another strong season at age 33, would be a good start.

Bauer’s administrative leave extended
Major League Baseball will extend Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave until Aug. 6. The extension was made in agreement with the MLB Players Association.

Bauer, who has been on leave since July 2, is under investigation following sexual assault claims from a woman who alleges that the pitcher got physical with her during recent encounters. The Pasadena Police Department opened a criminal investigation, and his accuser was granted a temporary ex parte restraining order. Bauer appeared in court on Friday to contest the temporary restraining order. The hearing was pushed back until next Monday.

Under the joint domestic violence policy agreed upon by MLB and the MLBPA, the Commissioner’s Office can ask for the Players Association’s consent to extend the administrative leave. Placement on administrative leave is not a pronouncement of guilt.