Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw throws lightly off mound

PHOENIX -- Clayton Kershaw threw off a mound for the first time since he was placed on the disabled list for an inflamed back muscle.

Before the Dodgers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Kershaw threw 15 fastballs in the visitors’ bullpen at Chase Field. He was throwing at less than maximum effort, according to Manager Don Mattingly.

No timetable has been set for the return of Kershaw, who is throwing almost daily to maintain arm strength.

Co-ace Zack Greinke will pitch Saturday for the Dodgers.

With left-hander Wade Miley pitching, the Dodgers are stacking their lineup with right-handed hitters. Justin Turner is starting over Dee Gordon at second base and the outfielders are Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig and Scott Van Slyke.

Van Slyke faced Miley in the season opener in Australia and was two for three with a two-run home run.

The Dodgers lineup:

Yasiel Puig RF
Matt Kemp CF
Hanley Ramirez SS
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Scott Van Slyke LF
Juan Uribe 3B
Justin Turner 2B
Drew Butera C
Zack Greinke P