Clayton Kershaw expects to start season opener for OKC Dodgers or Tulsa Drillers

Clayton Kershaw pitches for Oklahoma City during a Triple-A baseball game between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and the Omaha Storm Chasers at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. The Los Angeles pitcher was on a rehab assignment in Oklahoma City. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Clayton Kershaw will get an opening day start after all.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ace pitcher threw a simulated game Saturday and said he expects to start Thursday in a rehab assignment either for the Oklahoma City Dodgers or Tulsa Drillers.

Thursday is opening day throughout the minors.

OKC opens at 7:05 p.m. against San Antonio in Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Tulsa also opens at home against Arkansas at the same time.